A NEW action group is assessing the future of the Boyanup saleyards.
The saleyard users have come together to form the South West Saleyard Action Group (SWSAG).
Cattle producer and buyer Rodney Galati, who is part of the group, said action was needed on the saleyard replacement as key voices were not being heard on the issue.
Mr Galati said the group had contacted key industry and government stakeholders, saying the proposed Gwindinup site was not ideal for a new saleyard location.
In writing to key stakeholders the group said consultation was needed to determine the best site.
SWSAG believes consultation with industry users could reduce spending, improve yard design and ensure it is near suitable road infrastructure for livestock carriers.
“We believe the industrial area of Kemerton, which was identified by the Labor government in 2008, is an ideal location,” Mr Galati said.
“But it appears to have disappeared from discussions.”
The Kemerton site is near three main highways, making it suitable for livestock carriers and has four abattoirs within a 30 kilometre radius, so SWSAG believes it would be ideal for all users.
“It is a no-brainer for freight and all other users,” he said.
Mr Galati said the relocation was part of a long history of political debate from people not necessarily using the existing yards.
He said the key was to engage with key stakeholders and get users’ voices heard to assist them and future farming generations, who would use the facility.
The Boyanup saleyards will close in 2022 when the Capel Shire lease ends.
The yards are leased to and managed by the Western Australian Livestock Salesmen’s Association (WALSA) – a Landmark and Elders joint venture – unlike the State government-run Katanning and Muchea yards.
WA lotfeeder Geoff Pearson said it was important to get it right, as the new yards would be a long-term investment.
“We need to put forward the most preferred site in the South West for industry,” Mr Pearson said.
“As industry we need to assess all possible avenues and where is the best possible position.
“We need to make sure we place the saleyard in the best possible place for a 30 to 40-year investment.”
Mr Pearson said he supported the action group.
“We need to ensure the saleyard (design) is right too,” he said.
“If that’s what is needed.”
Mr Pearson said it was important to ensure the transport links suited a saleyard today and in another 40 years.
Mr Pearson said a potential CBH receival site in Roelands presented more opportunities for potential sites.
“We need to look at all possible options,” he said.
Prior to the March State election, the WA Labor Party pledged to relocate the facility ahead of its impending closure in 2022.
The party said it would work with the Capel Shire on a suitable replacement.
With the relocation and design still undecided, the WA Meat Industry Authority (WAMIA) met with Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan as Farm Weekly went to press this week, to determine its future.
Ms MacTiernan said the government was committed to the new yards.
“We are committed to fast-tracking the proposal for a livestock precinct in the South West to replace the Boyanup saleyards,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“I look forward to meeting WAMIA this week to discuss options.”
WAMIA chief executive Andrew Williams said the meeting was to determine the future direction and decide if a feasibility study would be conducted.
Mr Williams predicted the study would take six months to complete if Ms MacTiernan wanted to go ahead with it.
“We had a meeting with the minister this week, to go through it with her,” Mr Williams said.
“It is in the minister’s control as to what she wants us to do.
“I understand she is committed to replacing Boyanup, but it is her call.”
If approved, the study would be conducted by an external agency.
Wedderburn Transport principal Mark Talbot, Brunswick, said the industry was running out of time.
“This is a serious issue for industry and we only have four years to make a decision and build it,” he said.
“The number one issue for transporters is access and getting permitted vehicles in and out of a facility.”
Mr Talbot supported the proposed Kemerton site, as he said it had full road train access from the west, south and east and was central to local abattoirs.
“The Kemerton proposed site really works well when it comes down to transporters accessing the site,” he said.
“The road network around Kemerton is designed with heavy vehicles in mind, so it would be a lot safer for all involved.”
Mr Talbot said the transport industry supported the site as it also promoted biosecurity.
“We have a lack of wash out facilities across the State,” he said.
“Other proposed sites would be too far from abattoirs.”