September 14, 2018 Co-op structured regional saleyards should be considered Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Ian Blayney has called for the future ownership and management plans for Muchea and the replacement Boyanup saleyards to include consideration of a grower-owned and managed co-operative. Mr Blayney said there were are two issues to be considered; cost and long-term ownership. “A grower owned and controlled co-operative would have as its focus, lower costs to producers and long-term ownership,” he said. “Growers and grower bodies have also told me there is $6-8 million remaining from the sale of Midland sale yards. “I think that money should go towards the capital base of the new co-operative, if it was decided to go down that path. “Currently, the Government is running an expression of interest for a replacement of the Boyanup sale yards. “I understand the Government wants to get out of this space and pass the project to the private sector, rather than considering all options available or listening to producers.” Mr Blayney said all options should be on the table, including a grower owned and controlled co-operative. Media Contact |
