Finely’s cattle sales will resume today, to the relief of cattle farmers, agents and livestock transport operators.
Berrigan Shire Council’s chief executive officer Karina Ewer said the most immediate Workplace Health and Safety matters have been dealt with, allowing the cattle sales to proceed.
“Some further work is required but is not as urgent,” she said.
Work undertaken at the yards, as a result of findings in a WHS audit took less than four days to complete, with saleyard users saying the issues were not major.
“We are very pleased to see common sense prevail,” livestock agent Greg McNamara said.
“We’ve been working with the Shire to get the cattle yards opened again and are pleased to be back there today.”
Mr McNamara said stakeholders were aware more work at the cattle yards was required, but said it should not interfere with sales.
“We can operate around any further work, it shouldn’t disrupt the sales now,” he said.
Berrigan Shire Council is considering the ongoing management of the Finley saleyards after calling for proposals to either lease or purchase the facility.
It is currently leased by Scanclear, a Shepparton based company.
Ms Ewer was unable to confirm how many proposals were received or when a decision would be made as the process is an “ongoing matter”.
Finley saleyards host fortnightly livestock sales, alternating between lamb and sheep sales on a Tuesday and cattle sales on the following Wednesday.