Over the last 12 months we’ve approved capital spending of $80,000 to upgrade the holding yards to make them more efficient and safe to use.
THE Emerald Saleyards continue to attract strong numbers as dry conditions prevail across Queensland.
The Emerald Livestock Selling Association runs a weekly combined prime and store sale each Thursday and this year the average weekly yarding has been around 2000 head per sale, promoting strong buying support from the southern abattoirs and private lot feeders.
Central Highlands councillor Gai Sypher said there was an ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvement at the saleyards.
“We’re continuing to improve the complex with workplace health and safety initiatives, animal welfare policies and stock flow efficiencies all major considerations,” Cr Sypher said.
“Over the last 12 months we’ve approved capital spending of $80,000 to upgrade the holding yards to make them more efficient and safe to use.
“Something else our clients have asked for is dust reduction around the loading ramps, so we’ve included that as priority works.
“Thinking outside the square slightly, we’ve been exploring a strategy for beef industry advertising and promotion opportunities at the saleyards, not only as a commercial proposition but because it would have some benefit for our clients.”
Emerald Saleyards came under some criticism earlier in the year following an increase in special weighing yard fees that led to the council reducing the charge.
“The fee to weigh cattle outside of a sale was reduced in 2013 in an effort to attract more business at the yards, but when that failed to be cost effective the council chose to increase the fees, particularly for weighing cattle on weekends,” Cr Sypher said.
“Given the current drought conditions, producers weren’t happy so we adopted a tiered fee schedule for special weighs, based on cost recover only, that incorporates handling with a saleyards operator and without, and weekday and weekend rates.”
