Cattle industry is under threat

The last meeting of Cooloola Shire Council has called for special town planning protection for the Gympie Saleyards, after concerns that residential development could destroy a major part of the region's highly significant agricultural economy.

Deputy Mayor Ian Petersen, backed by Planning Committee chairman Donna Neilson, responded to concerns raised last week by Works Committee chairman Larry Friske, who told council urban encroachment, including a recently approved residential development nearby, threatened the future of the saleyards.

Cr Friske said he was worried the Banks Pocket Road development could result in new residents making noise complaints which could force the closure of the saleyards, which created in one day last week $2 million worth of sales as 2500 head of cattle went under the auctioneer's hammer.

"Australia is littered by saleyards closed because of urban encroachment," he said.

At Cr Friske's suggestion, the motion also included a suggestion to the upcoming Gympie Regional Council that it form a Saleyard Users' Group to liaise with council about problems or improvements for the facility.

Cr Friske said last week he feared the day when the saleyards, a major contributor to the Gympie region's economy, could be closed down by a single noise complaint to the Environmental Protection Agency, from residents of new residential estates, if they are approved nearby.

Cr Shane Jocumsen said it would also be advisable to protect privately owned saleyards at Woolooga and Goomeri from similar encroachment.