The Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX) is a hive of activity this week as the annual Western District Weaner Sales kick off.
Highlighted by almost 4000 head on day one, sales are scheduled for every day throughout the week with vendors and buyers from throughout Australia in attendance.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Mary-Ann Brown said the annual weaner sales were a huge boost for the region’s economy and further justification of council’s commitment to ongoing infrastructure upgrades of HRLX throughout 2019.
“Council has invested over $6.5 million into the HRLX facility over recent years which has focussed on roofing the sheep yards and sealing of the truck delivery areas,” Cr Brown said.
“A recent review of operations and subsequent report presented to Council, showed broad agreement that the lack of a roof on the cattle yards was impacting on cattle sales and further commitment was required.
“At the November 2018 meeting, Council committed a further $1.3 million towards the roofing of cattle yards 1-99 in an effort to further entice agents and buyers to HRLX and ensure the future growth of this vital asset and its operations.”
The newly roofed cattle area will also have the capacity to be used for sheep in peak periods, further increasing the capacity of HRLX for sheep and lamb sales.
“We see the HRLX as an extremely valuable community asset and, as seen by the numbers of livestock being offered here throughout this week, one that deserves our ongoing commitment,” Cr Brown said.
“As a Council owned and managed facility, the success of the HRLX has a flow on effect to Southern Grampians residents and we encourage vendors and buyers to consider this when buying and selling livestock.”
The report presented to Council also recommended improved communication and marketing surrounding HRLX in order to attract and maintain clientele.
“There are number of initiatives underway to address this recommendation over the next 12 months, the most visible at present being the launch of our new Facebook page www.facebook.com/HamiltonRLX and our Instagram account www.instragram/hrlx_hamilton
“We look forward to sharing success stories of the HRLX and ensuring plans for 2019 upgrades are well communicated to our many important stakeholders.”
Media Contact: Lachy Patterson | 0429 955 669 | lpatterson@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au