THE future of the Swan Hill Livestock Exchange, which has been running since 1938, is open for debate after its owner and operator Swan Hill Rural City Council reported the exchange has operated at a loss for several years.
Mayor Cr Stuart King said there was “no clear pathway to long-term viability under its current model”.
He also said the city recently conducted a strategic review into the running of the saleyards “to identify key challenges and opportunities for the facility”.
Now, the council is asking the community for its thoughts.
“After this week’s council meeting, we are resolved to seek broader community feedback on this strategic review,” Cr King said.
“For almost 87 years the SHRLE has played a vital role in our agricultural community, supporting local farmers, agents, and businesses but as the livestock industry continues to evolve, so too must our approach to ensuring a sustainable and viable future for the exchange.
“The strategic review, that involved significant stakeholder engagement, highlighted industry trends, including the consolidation of saleyards across Australia, the increasing use of direct sales and online platforms, and changing market demands.”
Cr King outlined the review explored a range of potential future options, including leasing the facility to a third party, repurposing the site for alternative uses, or transitioning to a different operational model.
He said council recognised the social and economic importance of the SHRLE and was committed to ensuring any future decisions align with community needs and industry sustainability.
“At this time, we want to hear from the community, your input is essential in shaping the future of the SHRLE and ensuring all perspectives are considered before any decisions are made,” Cr King said.
“We encourage all stakeholders to review the full report, explore frequently asked questions, and provide feedback.
“Together, we can plan for a sustainable future for the site, which balances economic, social, and environmental considerations.”
Community feedback closes at 5pm on Wednesday, April 16.
For more information and to have your say go to: https://letstalk.swanhill.vic.gov.au/swan-hill-regional-livestock-exchange-strategic-review.
