Boyanup saleyard discussions ‘constructive’: WAFarmers

The recent roundtable meeting regarding the replacement of the Boyanup saleyards has been hailed as ‘constructive’ by WAFarmers.

WAFarmers Livestock President David Slade attended the meeting organised by Minister for Agriculture Alannah MacTiernan, which involved a wide range of industry stakeholders.

“Having heard a number of proposals for consideration, WAFarmers continues to be opposed to the sale of the Muchea saleyards, but remains open to exploring a range of options including the leasing of Muchea and the building of replacement saleyards for Boyanup by a private operator,” Mr Slade said.

“Other options could also include the establishment of a co-operative to build the replacement saleyards for Boyanup.

“Any agreement to allow the involvement of private operators in the building and leasing of any saleyards would need to have iron-clad safeguards in place to ensure saleyard fees are kept to industry standards.

“Further, to be supported by industry, any lease would need to have the appropriate protocols in place to prevent a repeat of the rail lease debacle.”

Mr Slade said industry remained concerned that the commitment to fund the four key saleyards of Muchea, Katanning, Mount Barker and Boyanup from the sale of the Midland saleyards had not been fulfilled by government.

“WAFarmers remains open to considering all available options to ensure that a suitable replacement facility for the Boyanup sale yards is available for industry,” he said.

“While we are concerned that the government is yet to fulfil its funding commitment to the four key saleyards, we applaud Minister MacTiernan on inviting a wide range or industry stakeholders to participate in the constructive and collaborative discussions regarding the sale of Boyanup.

“It is a step in the right direction.”

ENDS.

All media requests must be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].

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