Representatives from the Emerald Saleyards Coordination Committee took a trip to Charters Towers recently to swap some saleyards knowledge and experience.
Chairwoman Councillor Christine Rolfe, Councillor Megan Daniels and Central Highlands Regional Council’s General Manager Commercial Services Michelle Webster visited the 700acre site of the Dalrymple Saleyards in October.
“At a saleyards stakeholder meeting in February this year the Charters Towers facilities were put forward as a reference facility for good practice,” Mrs Webster said.
“So we approached the Charters Towers Regional Council and lined up a guided tour of their yards on their sale day.”
The Central Highlands delegation met up with Charters Towers Mayor Liz Schmidt, Deputy Mayor Sonia Bennetto, CEO Mark Crawley and Manager Rural Services David Atwell.
“Throughout the day we were able to share information about our respective saleyard operations and learn from each other.
“Charters Towers provides a different operational model compared to Emerald, with significant export cattle volumes. This is something we aren’t involved in so it was interesting to discuss that.”
Mrs Webster said Emerald was also working on an online site induction tool, which will be shared with Charters Towers once complete.
Other topics discussed were staff and contractor arrangements, cattle feeding arrangements, scanning of cattle for identification, tick clearing certification and truck wash facilities.
“It was a very worthwhile trip and we thank the Charters Towers Regional Council for allowing us this opportunity,” Mrs Webster said
