Growing HRLX for the future

FOLLOWING the decision earlier this week by the Warrnambool City Council to close the Warrnambool saleyards next year, Southern Grampians Shire Council mayor, David Robertson has said the adoption of a strategic vision for the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange was vital to maximise its long-term potential for the region. Photo: SPEC FILE.

By Admin

November 14, 2022 | 4:00 PM

SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council adopted the 2022 Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX) Strategic Vision as developed by the HRLX Advisory Committee (HRLXAC) at Wednesday’s ordinary Council meeting.

The development of the strategic vision will look to ensure future sustainability of the facility, whilst growing opportunities for the livestock market within Southern Grampians.

The strategic vision outlines HRLX to:

• Operate as a commercial enterprise;

• Build on its position as the premier sheep market sales facility in Western Victoria;

• Consolidate and expand its position as a cattle market;

• Be a best practice facility encompassing environmental, biosecurity, and compliance requirements;

• Continue to contribute to the social and economic fabric of the Greater Hamilton region.

Southern Grampians Shire Council mayor, David Robertson said the adoption of the strategic vision as presented by the HRLXAC will ensure the facility is positioned as the premier livestock exchange in Western Victoria for decades to come.

“The strategic vision helps Council to position the HRLX facility as a business that has significant impact on the region in terms of enterprise and economy,” he said.

“The development of this vision helps to support the direction and retain focus for Council and the Advisory Committee to change the culture and commercial focus to increase contribution to Council and community.

“Over the past few years, we as a Council have made significant progress and investments to improving the facility in terms of infrastructure.

“The development of the vision and provision to develop a five-year business plan, which will be developed over the next 12 months, is the next step in maximising the potential for our livestock facility.

“I would encourage anybody interested in this vision and or future direction of HRLX to contact Council for more information.”

Council resolved to develop a five-year business plan for the facility, continue to progress the review of fees and charges as a priority, allocate funding to complete essential biosecurity works specifically security gates, and to consider a budget allocation within the 2023/24 budget to undertake renewal of the outdoor unpaved cattle yards subject to a budget and business case.