At 11.40am on 4 January 2017 the newly amalgamated Mid North Coast Council issued a "Media Release" closing the Nabiac Saleyards that have been in use for over 23 years.

No community consultation was undertaken other than a cursory discussion with operators via email on Christmas Eve which resulted in one operator offering to donate the upgrade required, notwithstanding Council have determined the closure is the only solution.

This Infrastructure is vital to the viability of the town and it's farming heritage and is vital not only to the sale of cattle, but to the Showground Campdraft, Junior Rodeo, Pony Club, Monthly Markets, Goods and Chattel Sales to name but a few.

Locals flock to the town on sale days injecting revenue to local businesses and also allowing the Show Committee (with over 100 years of shows under their belt) to raise much-needed funds for the running of the show through the sale of locally produced meat pies and sausage sandwiches. 

Gooch Agencies have invested in excess of $30,000.00 into recent upgrades to these yards to ensure the safety of their staff and the animals once the booking of the venue for 2017 sales on the last weekend of every month was confirmed in December 2016. These sales were cancelled via email.

The closure has repercussions for every small town in NSW that is currently facing closure of services in their towns despite ongoing applications for rate increases.

This petition calls upon the Administrator and General Manager of Mid North Coast Council:

1. postpone the closure of the sale yards.
2. Consult with the local community, stakeholders and experts to determine a viable solution for the ongoing upgrade and use of the yards in Nabiac.

Your Support sends a clear message to not only Mid North Coast Council but Councils Australia wide to ensure our services are not cut without appropriate and meaningful consultation.