Five options on the table for Kempsey Regional Saleyards future

Kempsey Shire Council is inviting the community to comment on options for the future management and ownership of the saleyards where around 30,000 head of cattle are sold annually.

It has been met with mixed response by the community with some saying the council should retain and upgrade the facility while others want a regional super centre.

Ian Argue from Kempsey Stock and Land supports the option of the council maintaining and upgrading the saleyards.

Mr Argue said saleyards were a vital flood refuge and contributed to the social fabric of the community.

"There is no doubt local saleyards across the state need to adapt and upgrade to remain competitive," Mr Argue said.

In flyers distributed by Kempsey Stock and Land, it states the saleyards were the third largest selling centre between the Manning Valley and Queensland border, with 52 per cent of farms on the Mid North Coast beef producing properties.

It also states cattle and calves were considered the second most important agriculture commodity worth $155 million per year after milk (ABARES 2016/17).

"In makes sound business sense to capitalise on this market rather than risk losing it altogether through the selling or leasing of the saleyards," Mr Argue said.

Daniel South from Ray White Kempsey said there needed to be an upgrade of the saleyards including more shade in summer to meet animal welfare needs.

"If animals do well then everyone be benefits," Mr South said.

Council's commercial business manager Gayleen Burley said all options involved the continuation of a saleyards facility in the Kempsey Shire.

"We recognise the significance of agriculture to the Macleay Valley and our stakeholder engagement has identified that the saleyards are highly valued by its users," Ms Burley said.

"However, we are facing several financial and operational challenges in maintaining and improving the facility and need to identify an option for the community asset that balances the interests of all."

Council conducted online and face-to-face surveys at sales over January and February.

It also held a strategic stakeholder workshop in late March and individual meetings with saleyards agents to give buyers and sellers of stock an opportunity to share their experiences of the facility and consider potential management options.

Submissions close August 23.