Greater Shepparton City Council awarded the operations of the Shepparton Regional Saleyards to Regional Livestock Exchanges (RLX) at its July Council Meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
In Summary
Council has awarded Regional Livestock Exchanges (RLX) the operations of the Shepparton Regional Saleyards under a 10 year lease starting 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.
Mayor Shane Sali and Saleyards Advisory Committee Chair Cr Geoff Dobson emphasised the positive impact of the new lease, highlighting RLX's track record and the stability it brings to the local farming community.
The current management contract with Brendan Carey of Australian Saleyard Management will end this year, with RLX taking over operations starting in 2025.
It comes following a recent public expression of interest process which was undertaken by Council to consider who will operate the saleyard under a long-term lease.
The lease of the facility, commencing 1 January 2025 for 10 years and including an additional four options of five years, ensures that the Shepparton Regional Saleyards remains a major regional stock selling complex. It is expected the Shepparton Regional Saleyards will undergo a range of improvements in the coming years as well as enhancing operational efficiencies.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, congratulated Regional Livestock Exchanges 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."
Chair of the Saleyards Advisory Committee, Cr Geoff 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, 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 would like to thank its current contractor Brendan Carey from Australian Saleyard Management for managing the saleyards over the past six years. The current management contract will cease at the end of this year.
