Saleyard changes in doubt

The proposed changes to WA's livestock saleyard schedule may be on shaky ground.

Agents have suggested that from April, cattle at the Muchea Livestocn Centre would be sold on Tuesday, and sheep sales moved to Wednesday. They also want the Katanning sheep sale to move from Wednesday to Tuesday, and the Boyanup cattle sale to Wednesday.

However, newly appointed WA Meat Industry Association chief executive Andrew Williams said consultation and feedback about the proposed change of days had been mostly negative.

"My ear's been chewed off a few times over this issue and we're sensing not many of the users of the centre are happy about the proposed changes, but whatever happens will happen in the best overall interests of the industry," he said.

Mr Williams said he has attended the MLC on several sale days already and he now has a much more positive view of the issues.

"I'm convinced after speaking to stakeholders there is a genuine commitment by everybody to work with us to find solutions," he said.

"After all, people just want to be able to get in and conduct their business in the most efficient way possible.

"To help facilitate the industry, we help the broad industry and that way we can facilitate what the industry wants."

Mr Williams also said the centre had operated without many issues of late.

"I've noticed Livestock Logistics WA have efficiently attended to a number of matters already," he said.

"Sunday, a week ago, management were able to pull in staff who worked to 1am to pregnancy test last-minute arrivals of unexpected cows.

"The sale on the following day went ahead with users being none-the-wiser about the effort that had been put in. And so that's how it should be.

"My aim is to get things so users are confident to send whatever cows and sheep they wish to the centre with confidence."

Mr Williams said his task at hand was to set out the centre's strategic plan for the next four years.

"I am very positive about the future of the centre and the industry more broadly, with the demand for red meat so strong," he said.

Meanwhile, WAFarmers have carried a motion amongst its members to leave the saleyard days as they are.

Members voted almost unanimously to reject any change until a full investigation of the benefit of any changes.

Submissions from stakeholders on the proposed changes close this Saturday.