
Susanna Freymark
A second public meeting about the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange dispute will be held at Casino Golf Club at 5.30pm tomorrow night, Monday, September 25.
The meeting will again be chaired by former MP and auctioneer Thomas George.
At the first public meeting on September 4, several motions were passed and later presented to Richmond Valley Council.
Casino business owner Allan Berry is behind both meetings.
He spoke at last week’s council meeting on September 19.
“Let’s get cattle back in the NRLX,” he said.
“I’m disappointed with progress to date and stunned by the recommendations by the manager.”
A report prepared by general manager Vaughan Macdonald recommended council transition out of direct management of the NRLX through open-market tender to lease the facility.
Mr Macdonald said it was important efforts continued to restore sales at the facility and reduce the impacts on local producers.
He said the council had received interest from other agencies who wished to establish operations there and these negotiations would continue with a view to achieving a short-term solution.
“Any agency which previously applied unsuccessfully can also reapply under the ongoing open EOI process,” Mr Macdonald said.
At the council meeting, all councillors voted to support the report’s recommendations.
The agenda for the public meeting at the Casino Golf Club includes an update of events on the NRLX since the last meeting on September 4.
The three main agenda items are:
● To achieve an understanding of why the NRLX remains closed
● To seek resolutions to allow the reopening of the facility
● To dispel the rumours and misinformation circulating in the community
Speakers at the meeting include a member of the Casino Auctioneers Association, a business community member and a cattle producer.
