Council considers next steps for Hughenden Saleyards procurement
Published on 04 September 2026
Flinders Shire Council will not proceed with the evaluation stage of the current procurement process for the future operation of the Hughenden Saleyards and Dipping Facility.
Council takes its procurement obligations seriously and is committed to ensuring its processes are fair, transparent and capable of maintaining the confidence of both the market and the community. After considering certain matters arising during the tender period and obtaining legal and probity advice, Council determined that it would not be appropriate to continue with the evaluation.
A report will be presented to Council at its meeting on 30 September 2026, recommending that the current tender process be formally concluded without an award and that Council endorse the development of a new procurement process.
Following community feedback and clarification from associated and adjacent land users, Council has also identified opportunities to further refine aspects of the commercial arrangements and more clearly define the land and facilities required for the effective operation of the saleyards and dipping facility.
Council Chief Executive Officer Kylie Davies said the decision reflected Council’s commitment to both procedural integrity and a sustainable long-term outcome for the facility.
“Council places a high value on transparency, fairness and confidence in its procurement processes,” Ms Davies said.
“Where circumstances arise that may affect confidence in a process, Council has a responsibility to take those matters seriously and respond appropriately.”
“For that reason, Council will not proceed with the evaluation stage of the current tender. Instead, a report will be presented to Council recommending that the process be formally concluded without an award and that a refreshed approach be developed.”
“This does not change Council’s commitment to the Hughenden Saleyards and Dipping Facility or the important role it plays in supporting livestock movement, biosecurity, animal welfare, weighing and spelling services across the region.”
The process has provided Council with useful information and, together with feedback received and clarification of matters involving associated and adjacent land, has identified opportunities to strengthen the next approach.
“Council will use the work already undertaken, together with industry engagement, to further test the commercial arrangements and more clearly define the complete operational footprint before returning to market,” Ms Davies said.
“This is not a proposal to reduce services. It is about taking a careful, transparent and commercially responsible approach to securing a sustainable operating arrangement for producers, facility users and the wider livestock industry.”
Council is working to maintain uninterrupted saleyards and dipping services while the proposed pathway is considered.
Subject to Council’s endorsement, the next steps will include structured engagement with industry before a new open market tender process is undertaken. Further information about the engagement process will be released once planning has been completed.
The formal decision regarding the conclusion of the current tender process and the proposed pathway forward will be considered by Council on 30 September 2026.
Council will provide a further public update following the meeting.
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Kylie Davies
Chief Executive Officer
Flinders Shire Council
Phone: 07 4741 2900
Email: kylie.davies@flinders.qld.gov.au