Singleton saleyards set to be leased by a Queensland based operator after Singleton Council resolved at it’s last meeting of 2018 to enter into negotiations for the long-term lease of the complex.
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Council will enter into negotiations AAM Investment Group Pty Ltd for and on behalf of RLX Operating Company (RLX Group) as the successful tenderer.
The RLX network of livestock selling facilities currently handles over 820,000 cattle and 2,340,000 sheep annually and includes selling centres at Tamworth, Inverell and CTLX at Carcoar as well as facilities in Victoria.
Singleton Council at this monthly March meeting decided to invite just two operators to tender for the lease of it’s livestock selling complex.
Last year the Council had called for expressions of interest to either lease and or buy the complex. However, as the Council had received $6 million in state government funding through the Resources for Regions Program to upgrade the facility, the sale option was not considered.
Anthony Egan, Council’s Director Corporate and Community Services Group, said the awarding of the lease would cap off a significant review of the operation of the facility, following the $7.2m upgrade to the facility in 2017.
“The Livestock Market is a vital piece of infrastructure for the region and Council is committed to ensuring its future and enabling its growth,” he said.
“A service delivery review of the saleyards found that Council was not adequately positioned to address the challenges facing the site.
“The lease ensures the Singleton community retain ownership of this historic and economically strategic asset, while benefiting from the level of service and management experience the RLX Group brings to the management of the complex.
“As part of this lease arrangement, Council will be proactive in assisting the RLX Group to pursue grant assistance towards the continuation of facility improvements.”
The RLX Group will be responsible for all maintenance and capital works over the term of the lease.
The RLX Group is a privately owned and operated provider of strategic investment services, asset management and consultancy services primarily in rural and regional Australia. The RLX Group also provides operational livestock services to selling facilities across three states, including Roma, Toowoomba, Goondiwindi and Murgon.
The existing three Singleton agents Roger Fuller Pty, Bailey Property and Livestock, and Thomas Livestock expect to continue operating at the saleyards under the new management.
