By Lucy Waldron
After several months of consultation, planning and construction, the upgraded Warwick Saleyards were put to the test at their first sale on 28 May, where over one thousand head of livestock moved through the yards.
A spokesperson from the Southern Downs Regional Council described the opening day as a success.
“Like any project, there are small learnings and improvements, and this process will be ongoing as the new yards are used and better understood,” the spokesperson said.
Ben Johnston, president of the Sale Agents Committee, acknowledged that while minor fixes are needed, the selling process went smoothly, and the agents’ association is appreciative of the upgrades.
“The public feedback was good, but like anything, some people don’t like change so there’s always going to be some pushback,” Mr Johnston said.
A concern raised by the public was the absence of a raised buyers’ laneway, which had been a feature in the old section, meaning the buyers are now standing on the ground instead of having an aerial view.
Dennis Bourke, an auctioneer with McDougall and Sons, agreed that there are a few grey areas that need to be brought up to speed but believes they are nothing that can’t be fixed.
“[The sale] went well, there were only a few futile things that need fixing up,” Mr Bourke said.
Conversations amongst agents, sellers and buyers have been made to address concerns and to be taken higher up.
“But all in all, it was great to have a full set of sale yards back in operation again,” Mr Johnston said.
He remains optimistic that once these minor adjustments are addressed, the sale yards will continue to be a prime location for buying and selling.
