More work to do on saleyards tender

By Jeremy Sollars

BREAKING: Leasing out of the Warwick Saleyards to a private operator is a step closer following this week’s September meeting of the Southern Downs Regional Council.
Councillors at their meeting in Stanthorpe on Wednesday voted to move to a “refined tender process” after calling for expressions of interest (EOIs) for leasing out of the saleyards.
A council statement issued today, Friday 22 September, which refers to a “preferred respondent” from the EOI process but does not name the interested party.
The move to the next stage of the process follows a meeting of the council’s Saleyards Advisory Committee on Thursday 7 September, the minutes of which were adopted by councillors in a confidential session of Wednesday’s council meeting.
“At this week’s general meeting, Southern Downs Regional Council confirmed its commitment to the Expressions of Interest for the management of the Warwick Saleyards process by adopting the minutes of the Saleyards Advisory Committee,” today’s council statement said.
“The recommendation of the committee means that the Expression of Interest process for the management of the saleyards will now move to a refined tender process.
“Council reiterates that the saleyards are not for sale.
“This process will allow the committee and council to further explore how the private sector might be able to improve efficiency and ensure competitive prices to producers and sellers.”
Mayor Tracy Dobie said that while council has run the saleyards effectively to this point, “that professional experienced management is necessary to ensure best practice”.
“Competitive pricing remains a priority for council, as competitors to both the north and south of Warwick are undertaking major upgrades to their facilities, including a $14 million facility upgrade at Casino.
“Council also believes the saleyards have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the high quality of local produce on display, supporting the agricultural sector, which is the biggest contributor to the local economy.
“Over the next few months the preferred respondent in the Expressions of Interest process will be requested to respond to issues raised by the council and the Saleyards Advisory Committee.
“At the end of the tender process, council can choose to issue the tender, or cease the process.
“It is important that the Warwick Saleyards function effectively, remain competitive and continues to prosper.”