Saleyards consultation closing soon

Tom Sharp
Tom Sharp

TIME is running out to speak up about the future of the Beaudesert Pig and Calf Saleyards, with the latest round of public consultation closing on February 14.

Mayor Tom Sharp advocated for further community engagement after local dissatisfaction with Council’s previous consultation on the mothballed saleyards.

Current consultation opened on December 16 via an online survey which people can also download and submit by email, post or in person.

Public survey

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 complete 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 today 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.

Advocates excluded

Council also engaged external consultants to do ‘targeted stakeholder interviews’ before the public survey opened.

These were meant to shape wider and more inclusive consideration of all ideas for the site however local lawyer Cliff Kroesen and grazier Sue Harrison – two of the saleyards’ most vocal advocates – were excluded from the targeted interviews.

Mr Kroesen and Mrs Harrison had the saleyards heritage listed in January 2021, but the listing was scrapped in October 2022 after Council appealed it in court.

They both expressed their disappointment at being left out of the targeted interviews but said they would complete Council’s public survey and encouraged others to do the same.

Mrs Harrison said the survey was not enough.

“Come and talk to your people – don’t hide behind Council doors,” she said.

Have your say

The saleyard 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.

At time of print 65 responses had been received via the online survey. To make a submission, visit https://letstalk.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/future-use-of-beaudesert-pig-and-calf-salesyards

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About Susie Cunningham 47 Articles
Susie is an experienced journalist with a love of sharing local stories and being part of the community. She is one of the partners behind Scenic Rim Media - the company that owns Beaudesert Bulletin, Canungra Times and Tamborine Mountain News.