By ALENA HIGGINS
CATTLE and sheep won’t be the only things to buy at the Warwick Saleyards with council agreeing to trial a display area for farm-related goods.
But the news has frustrated one local business owner whose application to feature some of his vehicles near the canteen on sale days was knocked back by council in May 2010.
David Cassels, owner of Cassels Automotive, said he had the blessing of the saleyard, an “appreciative” saleyard clientele, and even offered to provide his own insurance, but council “stifled” the chance for a local business to grow while giving “no real reasons” for its decision.
“I’m happy that they have finally realised my suggestion was a good one, but I am very disappointed that it has taken this length of time,” Mr Cassels told the Free Times on Tuesday.
“I had a good idea to progress a local business, which was thinking outside the box, but they just put me back in my box and didn’t take it on board.“
Mr Cassels, who was unaware of council’s apparent backflip before the Free Times contacted him, said he was not upset that the display area would be offered to a range of businesses, insisting he was “happy to share it”, and even previously suggested to council that it be on a “rotation basis”.
At council’s October 2014 meeting, the Saleyard Advisory Committee recommended council review its position following a number of additional requests to display items, including demountable office buildings, farm machinery and vehicles.
Concerns that the site could turn into a “de facto caryard” were raised during discussion at last month’s council meeting on 26 November, but the resolution was eventually passed.
Use will be limited to businesses operating within the Southern Downs that are “generally associated” with farming or primary production.
A minimum fee of $50 per week for a standard site, whose size is yet to be determined, will also be imposed.
It is unknown when the 12-month trial will start.
