Colac Saleyards Open to Farmers

Colac's saleyards are expected to get busier, following the closure of Geelong's saleyards this week.

Colac Otway Shire Council welcomes farmers affected by the change to the Colac Saleyards, which have already accommodated some of Geelong's beef and sheep sales since temporary closures around a year ago.

Mayor Chris Potter said: “We’re committed to welcoming those farmers as immediately as our next sale day.

"We’ve had ongoing discussions with the City of Greater Geelong about the possible need to support their current users, and now that the decision has been made we are more than prepared.

“Fortunately as a premier selling centre in south-west Victoria with a $1.5 million roof constructed over our saleyards as recently as 2014, we believe any improvement needed will be minimal.”

Cr Potter said Colac Otway Shire had made no secret of its desire to grow the market share of the Colac Regional Saleyards.

“Our facility has enormous potential for growth.

"A recent City of Greater Geelong report indicates that of the producers who sold stock at Geelong, 55.7% of them already identified as also selling at Colac.

"This demonstrates that even while Geelong was operational, Colac already offered an attractive selling option to farmers. “Our centre has a strong focus on animal welfare and in addition to being under cover, its strategically located just off the soon-to-be duplicated Princes Highway.

“We’re now committed to working with new customers to assist their transition and at the same time realise our opportunities for expansion," he said.

Image Source - MKM Constructions