Address issues at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX)
Petitioner:
Mr Neil Schneider
| Member:
Williamson, Richie
| No. of Signatories:
145
| Date closed:
13/04/2024
To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly,
The residents of the Richmond Valley area of Northern New South Wales and their supporters bring to the attention of the House the following:
The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange has been closed since July 1st, 2023 due to a protracted dispute regarding contracts offered by the Richmond Valley Council (the owner of the livestock exchange) to the Stock Agents who manage the sale of local producers cattle through the stock yards. This closure and current management practices are negatively impacting Richmond Valley ratepayers and all stakeholders of the NRLX including cattle producers, cattle transport companies, rural workers, and local businesses in Casino.
The undersigned petitioners therefore ask the Legislative Assembly to call on the Government to work with the Richmond Valley Council to ensure that:
1/ The Richmond Valley Council rescinds the recommendations of the General Manager which were passed at the RVC meeting on 19th September, 2023.
2/ The Richmond Valley Council and Agents enter into a mediation process to reopen the NRLX immediately under the 2020-2023 licensing agreement for a 12 month period.
3/ The Richmond Valley Council reforms the NRLX Advisory Group to ensure the perspectives of all stakeholders are considered when decisions around the future management and operational structures are made.
4/ The long-term future of the operations of the NRLX be thoroughly investigated in a transparent manner with genuine community consultation.
5/ The long-term future of the NRLX be determined by the Richmond Valley Council after the 2024 local government election.
