15 May 2020
While some COVID-19 restrictions will ease across the region following State and Federal Government advice, tight control measures will continue at the Warwick Saleyards for the foreseeable future to ensure the yard’s ongoing essential operation during the pandemic.
Southern Downs Regional Council would like to thank the livestock industry for their continued support and adherence to the safety measures during this time.
Council’s representative to the Saleyards Advisory Committee Councillor Marco Gliori said that by and large, the livestock agents and permanent buyers had respected the guidelines and he acknowledged the importance that the guidelines played in keeping the saleyards operational as an essential service for the region during COVID-19.
“I support Council’s decision for control measures to remain in place until further notice,” Cr Gliori said.
“These protocols are critical to ensuring we maintain weekly sales for the benefit of all stakeholders who depend on this essential supply chain.
“We continue to achieve positive outcomes at the saleyards and now is not the time to start relaxing control measures.
“Social distancing is here to stay for the foreseeable future and relaxing these protocols at the saleyards will be the last measure lifted by Federal and State Governments.”
One important change to the current protocol is the process of including additional buyers outside of the permanent buyers list through a weekly pre-registration process by 5pm the day prior to the sales. Any person wishing to attend the sale will need to make enquiry through their preferred agent as to whether or not they are already on the permanent buyers list. If they are not on the permanent buyers list then they will need to pre-register through their preferred agent.
Council would like to remind the community that the following rules and considerations for attending the saleyards will continue until further notice:
· Only agents, essential staff and permanent buyers will be allowed entry.
· Additional buyers will need to pre-register by 5pm the day prior to the sale through their preferred agent. There will be a limit to the number of additional buyers allowed to enter the sale and they must have genuine intent to purchase.
· The main access gate will be manned and each person entering will need to provide their name and contact details and sign a health declaration.
· Only one buyer representative will be permitted on the premises.
· Persons observed to be unwell may be refused entry.
· Social distancing will be monitored and enforced by Council staff.