Fears for Boyanup Saleyard
The closure of the Boyanup Saleyard could have a negative impact on the South West beef industry, according to the State’s biggest agricultural lobby group.
WAFarmers Meat Section chairman Jeff Murray said the beef industry was not in great shape and a closure could force farmers to look at different industries rather than transport cattle to other sales.
Capel Shire Council wants to have the Boyanup Saleyard moved to Gwindinup, near Boyanup, so it can subdivide the surrounding land and expand the town.
The State Government is yet to agree to move the saleyard with Agriculture Minister Ken Baston saying it was important the council ensure the saleyards are included in the South West Investment Blueprint and long term planning.
The lease for the Boyanup site expires in 2022.
The council has identified an old mine site for the saleyard which it says is a central location for the surrounding farmers and has better road, power and water access.
The nearest saleyards outside of Boyanup are Muchea and Mt Barker which are more than two hours away from the region.
Shire president Murray Scott said the land the saleyard was on was now needed for subdivision.
“We want to take the saleyard out of Boyanup and to do so we have put it in the South West Investment Blueprint, ” he said.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s not in our shire, just as long as it is central to the South West we would support it.
“It costs about $2000 to transport cattle to Muchea and Mt Barker, who knows what it will cost in 10 years time.”
Mr Murray said transporting cattle to other regions would hurt farmers’ bottom line.
“Farmers would look at it and decide if they continue or look at other uses for their land, ” he said.
“There needs to be a place where it can be built for long-term use.”
Cattle transporter Don McCausland said cattle would have to be yarded the day before transport if they were to make the trip.
“From October to March there are thousands of cattle go through the Boyanup Saleyard, ” he said.
“The astronomical costs of the freight would be beyond viable.”
“It doesn’t matter if it’s not in our shire, just as long as it is central to the South West we would support it ”— Murray Scott, Capel shire president
