Council implements new measures at Saleyards to ensure ongoing safety
Published on 04 August 2020
On Monday 27 July Federation Council tightened its entry criteria to the Corowa Saleyard Complex.
Temperature and cross border permit checks are now compulsory for all persons authorised to enter the complex.
Federation Council mayor Pat Bourke said the latest changes were another fine example of how Council continues to adapt to the many challenges COVID-19 presents.
"On any typical day the Corowa Saleyards would be bustling with agents, buyers and other key stakeholders," he said.
"From March this year, things have certainly been very different. Federation Council has been proactive from the beginning of the pandemic to ensure the sale can continue on a weekly basis and ensure sheep can continue to be delivered to the market.”
Mayor Bourke said Controls have included limiting attendance to essential personnel only and enforcing state government restrictions in regards to social distancing and personal hygiene.
“The latest COVID-19 safety plan now includes temperature testing of everyone in attendance and wearing of face masks mandatory for anyone coming from declared Melbourne hotspots,” he said.
"Up to 40 per cent of stock comes from Victoria, however, transporters and essential personnel have been able to obtain border entry permits which has allowed the sale to continue."
While the number of livestock sold at the yards in the 2019-20 was down by more than 100,000 on the 12 months prior, the sale values are continuing to rise. The 674,304 head sold last financial year made $123,682,743.90. In 2018-19 794,268 head fetched $115,551,674.92.
Mayor Bourke said recent upgrades to the facility and strong management has ensured the saleyards is one of the most highly regarded and utilised livestock facilities in the state.
“The Corowa Saleyards is now considered the safest and best operated saleyards complex in the region, if not the state,” he said.
“Our dedicated Council team, with the cooperation of all our authorised personnel have made this possible and is a credit to all involved. Council will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and will amend operating practices and procedures in accordance with any future Public Health directives."