Saleyards ease restrictions, with vendors now allowed to attend at some centres

Regional Livestock Exchange (RLX), who run selling centres at Tamworth, Inverell, Singleton and Carcoar in NSW, along with sites in Queensland and Victoria, had previously restricted saleyard access to registered buyers, agents, transport operators and essential saleyard staff.

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Vendors and non-registered buyers were able to inspect cattle prior to the sale but had to leave before the auction got underway, though they were permitted to watch the proceedings at designated viewing areas at some centres.

On Sunday RLX, which is managed and operated by AAM Investment Group (AAMIG) posted to their Facebook pages that genuine buyers with a true intent to purchase and vendors with livestock in the yarding would now be allowed to remain on site during the sale.

Though it noted essential attendees and previously approved (current) RLX buyers would have priority access should social distancing not be able to be maintained.

AAM chief executive officer, Tim Gallagher said the wellbeing of those essential staff and participants onsite had been their constant and foremost consideration.

"We're working to keep our people safe whilst ensuring both the operational continuity of livestock sales and that we are meeting our responsibilities to uphold public health as Australia begins to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Gallagher said.

"It is still a requirement for all those in attendance to the site to sign in at the administration office and we are continuing to restrict access for members of the general public who are not directly linked to the sale."

"It is an absolute requirement of all those attending RLX facilities to maintain adequate social distancing, uphold hygiene standards, practice respiratory hygiene and do not come to site if you are feeling unwell.

"All facilities across the RLX portfolio are looking forward to moving towards the restoration of full access and operational conditions soon."

On Friday Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) and Dubbo Stock and Station Agents (DSSA) announced that some restrictions at Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets (DRLM) would be lifted for their upcoming store sale on June 19, with genuine re-stockers and vendors able to stay onsite during the sale.

However, any users must preregister their intent to attend the sale with their preferred agent by 12pm the day prior and sign a COVID-19 declaration on entry.

At the Central West Livestock Exchange (CWLE) at Forbes vendors, restockers and contractors will be allowed on site while business is being conducted from Monday June 15, but are asked to complete an attendance form.

Wagga Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre announced on Tuesday that from Thursday access would be relaxed to include producers buying and selling stock.

NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall had previously called for saleyards to lift restrictions, arguing NSW's livestock and fibre auctions were open for business without restrictions as they were vital to the agricultural supply chain and had been permitted to operate as normal through the pandemic.