January 21, 2018
Coolabunia saleyards will be operated by AAM Investment Group after the South Burnett Regional Council accepted the company’s tender at its meeting last Wednesday.
The 15-year-old company owns saleyards in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, and operates the Murgon saleyards (now known as the South Burnett Livestock Exchange).
Last year, AAM says it handled more than $1.5 billion in livestock transactions nationwide.
Council received three tenders to operate the saleyards after calling for expressions of interest mid-way through last year.
AAM’s tender was accepted by councillors.
Mayor Keith Campbell said the Council took the view that operating the saleyards was no longer a core responsibility, since the main beneficiaries were people involved in the cattle trade.
“We have the facilities here and are happy to see them used, but we think it’s likely that people who have a commercial interest in the livestock industry will do a better job operating them,” he said.
The Mayor said AAM had assured the Council existing sale dates would not change in the immediate future.
The company will also undertake some safety improvements to enhance animal welfare, and plans to seek feedback from users about changing some processes and improving facilities at the yards.
As part of the tender, AAM will also take over the operation of Council dip facilities at East Nanango, Wondai and Proston.
The lease of the saleyards is expected to save the Council about $100,000 per year in administration and maintenance costs.
- Related article: New Operator Sought For Saleyards
