New era for livestock exchange

Wednesday 28 March 2018

Wellington Shire Council will take over the management of the Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange (GRLE) in Sale this Sunday, 1 April.

The Victorian Livestock Exchange Pty Ltd surrendered its lease to Council, in line with its strategic direction.

Council is confident there will be a seamless transition, with the regular selling schedule continuing, just under new management.

The multi million dollar facility was upgraded two years ago to make it one of the best in Victoria.

The GRLE provides up to $8 million of economic activity each year in Wellington and supports up to 123 local jobs.

Council’s General Manager Development John Websdale said the importance of a local livestock exchange to the farming sector could not be underestimated.

But he stressed the importance of all key stakeholders including producers, agents and buyers working together to ensure the facility remained viable into the future.

“We made a $3.3 million investment into this facility two years ago and we are committed to maintaining the first class standard of livestock selling facility in Wellington,” he said.

“This is a new era for GRLE and we look forward to opportunities to build on the business into the future.”

An informal get-together will be held prior to the first store sale on Friday, 6 April, to welcome sellers, buyers, agents and transporters to the facility under the new management.

All those within the agricultural sector are welcome to attend.

Information about the Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange can be found at the new website www.grle.com.au