The Flinders Shire Council is calling for tenders to manage or lease the Hughenden Saleyards and dipping facility.
Council has investigated various models for the management of the facility, following the resignation of former manager Mark Peddle.
Interested applicants can submit a tender for one of two models:
- A management agreement, which includes some council involvement in the operation of the saleyards and dipping facility; or
- A lease, which includes negligible council involvement in the operation of the facility.
Chief executive officer Daryl Buckingham said both options offered significant flexibility to attract the widest range of tenderers and operating models.
"By allowing tenderers this flexibility, council hopes to ensure the Hughenden Saleyards remains a viable weighing and dipping centre well into the long term," Mr Buckingham said.
Livestock transport is a major industry for the town, with the saleyards having access to both road and rail transport and a cattle tick clearing facility.
Tenders close at 5pm on December 18, with council to announce the successful operator and model in early 2021. The tender documents are available on the council website.
Council has been managing the operation of the facility in the interim.