Agribusiness is a significant industry in the G21 region. It contributes 9% to the Gross Regional Product, employs 11% of the workforce and is 37% of the manufacturing workforce in the G21 region. The Geelong region is experiencing significant growth in population and expansion of residential housing into previous farming land. This change in land use and reduction in large-scale farming properties has resulted in some services to agriculture being reduced. This includes the closure of the Geelong Saleyards.

The City recently commissioned a study to:

a)Develop an understanding of peri-urban agriculture in the study area

b)Collect evidence (data and analysis) related to the current demand for an innovative multi-purpose livestock and information exchange in the study area

c)Test the underlying problem experienced by peri-urban farmers through extensive community engagement

d)Collate and analyse information regarding the existing supply and use of available services, and programs to peri-urban farmers in the broader study area

The study found four key themes that are issues for local rural landholders:

1. Farm management issues and priorities
2. Buying & Selling livestock
3. Support for rural landholders
4. Seeking and accessing information.

Since the closure of the Geelong Saleyards, local peri-urban livestock farmers have voiced concerns about logistical and cost issues with transporting livestock to livestock exchanges in Colac, Ballarat and Mortlake. This is largely attributable to the smaller number of animals being sold per lot, the producers lack of transport infrastructure and the distance to the available facilities.

The City has identified that there is a need to increase awareness of alternative methods for buying and selling livestock.

There is also a need for the City to improve accessibility to and awareness of important environmental and biosecurity information for peri-urban farmers.

To address these two needs the City is implementing a Communications Plan for reaching our rural and peri-urban community.

The City has also completed investigations into the feasibility of a physical and/or online livestock exchange, through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

Please see the document library section of this page for final report.

BACKGROUND

The Rural & Peri-urban sub-committee - made up of of community members, Councillors and City staff - recently completed a feasibility study into a multi-purpose livestock and information exchange. Through this Have Your Say page we gathered your feedback on the findings and recommendations from that study.

• Identified issues facing landholders with livestock in the G21 region
• Reviewed existing services that address the issues identified
• Researched operating models from other regions
• Identified gaps in services
• Developed a list of potential options to address the gaps identified.

Surveys and focus groups were conducted with representatives from the City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast and Golden Plains municipalities. More than 230 responses were received, providing insights into the current issues facing landholders with livestock in the G21 region.

If you’d like more information about our feasibility study, you can find out more in the FAQ section on the right hand side of this page.

Our community was invited to participate in the next stage of study by completing the survey accessible via this page. The survey was open from 1 April 2021 to 4pm 29 April 2021.

The survey looked at the four key issues that came from the feasibility study, and the options proposed to help landholders manage these issues.

The key issues are:

1. Biosecurity
2. Buying and selling livestock
3. Support and services
4. Information and education

Your feedback provided us with valuable insights into current views about managing, buying and selling livestock. The responses informed how the City can support landholders with livestock.

We thank you for your time and value all feedback.

The personal information requested on this form is being collected by City of Greater Geelong for the purpose of the Information and Livestock Exchange Options Survey or any other directly related purpose. If the personal information is not collected, we may not be able to contact you for further questions or solutions. Your personal information will not be disclosed, except as required to do so by law. Our privacy policy is available on our website. If you wish to alter any of the personal information you have supplied to City of Greater Geelong, please contact us by sending an email to privacy@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.