COUNCIL TO ASSUME FULL MANAGEMENT OF DRLM
Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) will assume full management of the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets (DRLM) following a Council decision at the June Ordinary Council meeting.
Councillors determined that the ownership and operation model for the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets will be internal, with the ‘modified status quo’ option chosen to ensure more competition and compliance with the current legislative environment.
Council will take responsibility for activities consistent with the operation at the Forbes Shire Council Livestock Markets, including running the scale house operation, ownership of the data from receival of stock through to their departure and and running the draw. Emergency tags will also be issued by Council.
Changes also include an increase to the fees for the throughput of animals to be structured to realise an additional $1 million in revenue. This increase will see the per animal charge for cattle increase by 32.5 per cent to $16 and the per animal charge for sheep to be increased by 27.4 per cent to $2, both inclusive of yard dues and agent fees.
Council also hopes to see an increase in the number of agents and a subsequent increase in throughput with the new agent permit fee reduced from $12,686.93 to an annual fee of $200.
The additional revenue will be reserved for asset renewal works at the DRLM ensuring its status as one of the largest selling centres in NSW.
Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Mathew Dickerson said there had been a lot of consideration go into the decision made by Councillors at the meeting on Thursday night.
“One of the greatest benefits for the DRLM is the location - no one else can compare. We are right in the middle of NSW where the northern and southern areas are competing with each other right here in Dubbo. As we heard during the decision-making process at the Council meeting, this makes the DRLM a valuable asset for Council and for the wider community,” Clr Dickerson said.
“The future of the saleyards has been on the agenda since early 2021 when the Service Review started. Councillors have heard and listened to the community, and the decision was made with those views clearly in mind.”
The outcome follows the DRLM Service Review which included legal analysis that highlighted the need to make changes to ensure Council met the requirements of modern legislation.
DRC will collaborate with the Dubbo Stock and Station Agents (DSSA) to deliver the modified status quo over the next six months.
Last Edited: 28 Jun 2024