PUBLIC consultation on the future of the Beaudesert Pig and Calf Saleyards will close on February 14.
Consultation reopened on December 16 after community dissatisfaction with Council’s previous consultation on the mothballed saleyards.
It came after Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp – who has been vocal in his support of the saleyards since before he was elected in 2024 – advocated for further community engagement.
The saleyards saga dates back to 2020 when auctioneers Hayes and Co found out Council would not renew their lease. The site has been vacant since the final sale in March 2021.
Locals vehemently opposed Council plans to remove the historic saleyards as part of the Beaudesert Town Centre Revitalisation project.
Local lawyer Cliff Kroesen and local grazier Sue Harrison had the saleyards heritage listed in January 2021, but the listing was scrapped in October 2022 after Council appealed it in court
Mr Kroesen praised Mayor Sharp for remaining approachable on the matter.
“Mayor Sharp invited me personally to submit the survey on the future use of the Pig and Calf Saleyards and we had a productive discussion about the issue and the challenges it faces,” he said.
“It is reassuring to see that Mayor Sharp remains approachable and willing to engage directly with the community.”
This came after Mr Kroesen and Mrs Harrison expressed disappointment at being excluded from targeted stakeholder interviews conducted by consultants on behalf of Council before the public survey opened.
The public survey asks what people value about the site, what they want to see there and what they see as the challenges.
It suggests options for the saleyards as demolition (flagged as the least expensive option), repurposing the existing structure (selective demolition), a new building (the priciest option) or none of these options.
The survey further details options including leaving the saleyards as they stand and maintaining them for public safety, creating a barbecue space as previously suggested or turning it into a grassed space with trees.
It also suggests a space for mixed community use, like markets and events, a space to attract families, like play equipment with shading, enhancing the space for walking and cycling networks like rail trail connectivity or space for commercial use like a café or restaurant.
At time of print 78 responses had been received via the online survey. Public submissions can be made via an online survey which people can also download and submit by email, post or in person.
To make a submission, visit https://letstalk.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/future-use-of-beaudesert-pig-and-calf-salesyards
