MidCoast Council : Stockyards not viable for continued use

Published on 04 January 2017

MidCoast Council has closed the stockyards at Nabiac Showground for commercial livestock sales, and is reviewing their use for other community purposes.

It has been found that the Stockyards pose a safety risk for the public, and animal welfare is also a concern.

'We have undertaken an independent audit on the condition of the stockyards at Nabiac Showground' said Council's Manager of Community Spaces, Recreation and Trades, Mr Dan Aldridge.

'Unfortunately the audit report finds the facility fails to meet minimum requirements under the Australian Model Code of Practice for Saleyards, and the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Livestock at Saleyards and Depots.'

Dan Aldridge says that the estimated cost of $350,000 to bring the facility up to a standard for commercial use is not viable.

'Even if we could make the repairs, the stockyard would still need to be licenced by the appropriate authority to accommodate commercial livestock sales' said Mr Aldridge.

It's estimated that the cost to build a new commercial saleyard facility capable of meeting all licencing requirements would be in excess of $1 million.

The MidCoast region is serviced by two licenced stockyards for commercial livestock sales, at Taree and Gloucester.

Nabiac Showground is otherwise unaffected by this closure, with all other Showground facilities remaining open.

'Our main concern is to ensure public safety and the welfare of the animals, and the stockyards are not in suitable condition to ensure this' said Dan Aldridge.