4th March 2020

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

SUBMISSION OF SUPPORT FOR LONGWARRY SALEYARDS PROJECT 85THORNELL ROAD, LONGWARRY

My name is and we run a small boutique beef farming operation at

The news of Warragul Saleyards being purchased by the corporate saleyard operator, Victorian Livestock Exchange (VLE) 18 months ago sent shivers through not only ourselves but to many other small farming families in the West Gippsland region.operation was limited once the new ownership commenced and at the end of 2019, its closure was implemented.

The requirement to transport our stock further not only adds extra cartage cost as we must transport them to a corporately owned saleyards where selling fees are much higher, but also raises concerns with animal welfare issues for us.

We were lucky enough to come to your information night at the Longwarry Hall and discuss the plans of the proposed saleyards with all parties.

We left terribly impressed with not only the ideal location just off the freeway and next to a major service station, the environmental innovations in place but most importantly the OH&S and animal welfare considerations. The safety of our stock is paramount to our decisions on where our stock travel to.

The fact our community has an opportunity to have the most state of the art saleyard locally is exciting.

Farming can be a fickle business and over the past couple of years we have had to look to off farm employment to secure our future. The potential of more local employment can not be overlooked as the local Longwarry, Modella, Bunyip, Cora Lynn areas are screaming out for businesses

The history and soul of our community is farming and farming industry related businesses. This locally driven initiative is in line with these values.

Change or something new is always a bit scary but there is a lot to love about this project and the potential benefits it will bring to everyone in the wider community of Longwarry and surrounds.

Thank you for taking the time to read my submission of support.

Yours truly

Ivanhoe,

I submit for your consideration my support for the Longwarry Saleyards at 85 Thornell Road, Longwarry.

My name is and I have spent my life in the livestock industry, some 25 years as the managing Director . This 16-branch livestock wool and property business across Victoria was the largest privately owned business at that time, behind Elders and Landmark and then we sold to .

With considerable doubt about the long-term future of the VLE Pakenham yards it is essential that the agents with great support from the whole West Gippsland Community get approval for this project. The extent of direct selling has been influenced to some degree bythe high yard dues at the present facilities.

The auction system is vitally essential as a price setter for the livestock industry.

Furthermore, a viable saleyard owned by the whole community agents, farmers, transportoperators etc is essential to keep selling costs down.

I spent some years as a but recently resigned due to several disagreementswith them. They initially did a very good job.

Yours Sincerely