Published on Friday, 24 October 2025 at 9:22:57 AM
The Shire of Plantagenet, key stakeholders and supporters celebrated 25 years of operations of the Mount Barker Regional Saleyards yesterday.
Opened in 2000, the state-of-the-art facility services the Great Southern and wider region’s livestock producers and processors and is one of the most modern livestock marketing facilities in WA.
Shire President, Saleyards Advisory Committee Presiding Member and event MC Len Handasyde said more than 1.6 million head of cattle had passed through the saleyards, which play a vital role in stimulating the local economy.
“The yards turnover some $100 million annually and with the multiplier effect we see a good influence into the local economy from the revenue from these yards,” Cr Handasyde said.
He reflected on the effort and perseverance required to establish a saleyard for the Great Southern region and credited former Shire Presidents Ken Clements and Kevin Forbes, former WA Agriculture Minister Terry Redman, and retired stock agents Charlie Staite and Harry Carroll as central advocates.
Cr Handasyde acknowledged former Shire Deputy CEO John Fathers for overseeing ongoing improvements to the saleyards in recent years, which continue to yard approximately 67,000 head of cattle annually.
“These highly functioning and well-regarded yards now operate as a standalone business unit within Council operations and are fully self-funded,” he said.
Mr Forbes and Mr Staite shared their memories, alongside long-term supporters Mitchells Livestock Transport Managing Director John Mitchell, former saleyards manager and Elders livestock agent Dean Wallinger, and Mount Barker Regional Saleyards Manager Greg Moore.
Mr Moore accepted a commemorative plaque and thanked past and present councillors for recognising the saleyards’ economic, social and cultural value to the community and state and national cattle industry.
“A special mention to the saleyards staff for their commitment to operating the facility in a professional manner, which gives producers the confidence their cattle will be well treated in an environment that provides a fair and competitive market,” Mr Moore said.
Pictured: Saleyards Advisory Committee members Crs Marie O'Dea, Len Handasyde, Brett Bell and Josh Liebeck at the 25-year anniversary event.
Back to All News