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| Ian Gilfillan Australian Democrats Member of the Legislative Council |
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Legislative
Council |
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| Ian Gilfillan Australian Democrats Member of the Legislative Council |
Parliament Index |
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DUBLIN CATTLE YARDS
The Hon. IAN GILFILLAN: I seek leave to make an explanation before asking the Attorney- General, representing the Deputy Premier and Minister for Primary Industries, a question relating to the Dublin cattle yards.
Leave granted.
The Hon. IAN GILFILLAN: The South Australian Farmers Federation has written a letter to the principal of Livestock Markets Ltd in relation to the cattle yards at Dublin as follows:
The South Australian Farmers Federation strongly supports the building of the cattle saleyards at Dublin.
The benefits of a modern, quality assured cattle selling facility to this state are undeniable. They would provide all cattle producers in this state, especially those in the northern regions, a vital avenue for selling their product.
We are currently unaware if any solutions have been reached between the parties involved in the financing of the Dublin cattle yards. We assume that no decisions have been made as yet.
SAFF is concerned that the negotiations taking place between Livestock Markets Ltd, Elders, Wesfarmers Dalgety, and the government are becoming drawn out and critical time is being lost.
This is especially concerning considering the Gepps Cross cattle facilities will no longer be in operation come February 2001. If the Dublin cattle yards aren't running by this time, then this will severely limit facilities for cattle producers in the northern areas. Should this eventuate, cattle producers will look to sell their cattle in other states and it will be very difficult for South Australia to regain this market share.
We feel very strongly that the building of the saleyards at Dublin is imperative. Members of SAFF and cattle producers in general are extremely concerned that nothing is being done to progress the issue. In order to arrive at an outcome to this apparent standstill, SAFF would like to offer its support to help facilitate this negotiation process. What can we do to help?
The letter is signed `Chris Parker, Chairman, SAFF Livestock Executive'. This, as clearly as anything can, outlines the concern of cattle producers across South Australia because of the lack of government support for the yards. It is interesting to compare that with a media release issued on 9 November in Victoria, which states:
The Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, today announced that the Bracks government would contribute $1.5 million towards a major upgrade of the Bairnsdale saleyards to enable it to meet international standards.
That is the second stage. Members should bear in mind that that is not the initial building. The second stage of the redevelopment means the saleyards will finally meet national saleyard quality assurance standards.
Some $30 million worth of cattle go through the Bairnsdale saleyards. The estimate for Gepps Cross is $50 million, and it is important to note in that detail that there is a $1.45 million grant which has come direct from the Victorian government. I have been advised today that both Wesfarmers and Elders have committed $1 million outright to contribute to the building of the Dublin cattle yards. With that was an understanding that the government itself would contribute to the construction of this essential infrastructure. I ask therefore:
1. Will the minister immediately grant the Dublin cattle yards $3 million to satisfactorily complete this essential infrastructure? If not, what will the government contribute, or is the government intending to walk away from the needs of the cattle producers of South Australia?
2. In response to complaints from people in the negotiations, will the minister himself engage in urgent discussions with Livestock Markets Limited and stock agents, and not leave it to his underlings to undertake those negotiations?
The Hon. K.T. GRIFFIN (Attorney-General): I will refer the questions to my colleague in another place and bring back a reply.
Read the Government Reply (3 May 2001).
