The state government is calling for Expressions of Interest to meet the livestock marketing needs of South West producers, ahead of the expected closure of the Boyanup saleyard in 2022.
The Western Australian Meat Industry Authority has released an Expressions of Interest to gain preliminary information on potential solutions for a replacement facility.
It will also determine any assistance interested parties would be seeking from the state government.
The Boyanup yard, which has run since 1961, processes about 60,000 cattle a year.
A Deloitte report commissioned by the government found the South West required a saleyard after Boyanup closed, despite a 27 per cent fall in the region’s herd size between 2008 and 2016.
Agriculture and Food minister Alannah MacTiernan said the state government was committed to facilitating a replacement by the private or local government sectors.
“We are aware of a number of private operators interested in investing in a new facility,” she said.
“This Expressions of Interest process will identify areas in which the government can assist in the development of a replacement facility, and marks a major step forward in ensuring producers in the South West continue to have their needs catered for after 2022.”
Solutions that both include and exclude a lease of the Muchea Livestock Centre will be considered, as some parties have indicated operating both facilities could create efficiencies.
Responses will be evaluated, and shortlisted respondents invited to a second and final Request for Detailed Proposal phase.
Expressions of Interest close on September 21 and proposals can be made through tenders.wa.gov.au.