RESTRICTIONS will be placed on buyers of the Armidale saleyards to ensure livestock sales continue after they are sold by Armidale Dumaresq Council.
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The decision came after Monday night’s Council meeting, when it was announced there were five expressions of interest.
The expressions of interest had so far come from Regional Infrastructure Pty Limited, Armidale Livestock Selling Agents Pty Ltd, Vercot Pty Ltd, Mr J Knox and Mr A Williams.
At Monday’s meeting, Mayor Laurie Bishop asked general manager Glenn Wilcox what information should be provided to the prospective buyers.
“Are we going to put any conditions on the sale?” Cr Bishop said.
Mr Wilcox said stipulations on the sale should be considered.
“We need to protect any tenants that we have,” he said.
“We want to protect their interests … price isn’t necessarily a major factor.”
Councillors discussed a condition of sale should be its continuing operation.
“We should put a condition on it … a period of 5-10 years,” Councillor Rob Richardson said.
“I think it should be built into the expression of interest.” Councillor Jim Maher said despite a push to keep the saleyards operating, resident reaction to the saleyards being sold so far had been unexpectedly mute.
“I’ve been surprised that there is not more reaction in the rural community to this changeover,” he said.
“It probably won’t be until the actual process of selling that they all come out of the woodwork.”