Minister agrees to review of saleyard

Following a meeting last week with the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority (WAMIA), Ms MacTiernan decided a feasibility study into the relocation of the Boyanup saleyard should go ahead.

“We are actively pursuing a South West livestock precinct as a replacement to Boyanup,” Ms MacTiernan said

“I have asked WAMIA to report on the design of a 21st century facility that takes into account emerging technologies and modern market practices, as well as the most suitable location,’’ she said.

“WAMIA will consult with industry in this process and expects to present its recommendations by the end of 2017, which allows sufficient time to meet the 2022 timeframe for the closure of the existing facility.”

WAMIA chief executive Andrew Williams said the meeting was positive.

“We have instructions in relation to Boyanup,” he said.

“The review will kick off in the not-to-distant future.

“We need to determine the need before we can determine what it will look like and where it needs to be.”

The review will be tendered to a third party with industry consultation a focus.

With more than 50 livestock carriers accessing the yards each week and up to 70,000 cattle passing through annually, Mr Williams said it was important to include industry stakeholder consultation.

“We have candidates to conduct the study but it has not been determined who at this stage,” he said.

Mr Williams said they would not rule out any possible site proposals and would have a clearer vision once the study was complete.