Greater Shepparton City Council has awarded a contract for the operation of the Shepparton Regional Saleyards to Regional Livestock Exchanges (RLX).
The 10-year lease will begin on 1 January 2025, with four additional five-year options.
The lease will facilitate a range of enhancements to the saleyards, aiming to improve operational efficiencies and maintain its status as a major regional stock selling complex, the Council said in a statement.
Mayor, Shane Sali and Saleyards Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Geoff Dobson said the new lease would provide stability to the local farming community.
The current management contract with Brendan Carey of Australian Saleyard Management will end the year.
Mayor Sali congratulated RLX on being awarded the contract, saying Council had always been committed to getting the best outcome for the future of the facility.
“The saleyards has enormous potential and it continues to record strong sales in a competitive environment,” he said.
“We want to thank everyone who has been involved in this process for their understanding and cooperation. I encourage farmers, stock agents and members of the community to maintain their commitment to the local saleyards and the new operators Regional Livestock Exchanges.”
Councillor Dobson said the long-term lease was a vote of confidence in the Shepparton Regional Saleyards.
“Regional Livestock Exchanges has a proven track record of investing in and improving regional saleyards across Australia, as well as engaging in the local communities where they operate,” he said.
“This long-term lease means stability and security for our farmers and stock agents who will be able to get on with the job and continue to make the Shepparton Regional Saleyards a great place to do business.”
CEO of Regional Livestock Exchanges, Brett Freer, also welcomed the news.
“RLX welcome the news that it has been awarded the chance to operate the Shepparton Regional Saleyards on behalf of Council and for the benefit of farmers, agents, other site users and the wider community,” he said.
Council also thanked its current contractor, Brendan Carey from Australian Saleyard Management, for managing the saleyards over the past six years.
