At the request of Acting Chief Executive Officer Mrs Jane Fetherstonhaugh, representatives from the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria (LRTAV) met with Council and Saleyards staff on Monday 9 September 2019 to discuss the safety concerns of Ramp C at the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards.
Council and LRTAV also took the opportunity to review the South Australian Ombudsman’s report regarding Safe Work SA and the management of Ramp C and as a result an agreed action plan by both parties has been instigated. Ramp C will have the necessary modifications carried out this week and it is expected to re-open towards the end of the week.
Other suggested improvements on site were raised to improve operation flow as well as the experience for both livestock and handlers. These are non-safety related, however, will improve the service offering of the Saleyards for transport operators.
“Council and LRTAV have been working together amicably since concerns were raised in 2018 and will continue dialogue in the interest of all parties in the livestock industry” said Mrs Fetherstonhaugh. “It is also worth acknowledging that at the meeting the LRTAV stressed that the concerns they raised were with SafeWork SA and not with the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards or Council.”
Further information:
Mrs Jane Fetherstonhaugh, Acting Chief Executive Officer, District Council of Grant
0417 868527
or
Mr Mick Debenham, LRTAV
0419 578332