Council calls for tender for operation of Hughenden Saleyards

Published on 28 July 2026

Flinders Shire Council has opened a public tender process for the future operation of the Hughenden Saleyards and Dipping Facility, inviting suitably qualified and experienced operators to submit proposals for five-year management leases.

The Hughenden Saleyards are an important piece of local and regional infrastructure, supporting cattle movement, spelling, weighing, National Livestock Identification System scanning, dipping and associated livestock services.

Located at McLaren Street, the saleyards have access to both road and rail transport and operate as a cattle tick clearing facility.

Flinders Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Kylie Davies said the tender process was an important step in ensuring the ongoing operation of the facility was commercially sound, compliant, and responsive to the needs of local producers, agents, transporters and the broader livestock industry.

“The Hughenden Saleyards are more than just a Council asset – they are a practical, working facility that supports our local cattle industry, regional biosecurity, livestock movement and the economic activity that flows from agriculture in the Flinders Shire,” Ms Davies said.

“This tender process gives Council the opportunity to test the market and ensure the future operation of the saleyards and dipping facility is in capable hands, with a strong focus on biosecurity, animal welfare, compliance, operational reliability and service to users.

“We know how important this facility is to producers and industry, and Council is committed to running a fair, transparent and robust process to secure the best possible outcome for the community.”

Open until 21 August, the tender seeks proposals from operators with the capability to manage the facility safely and effectively, including appropriate systems for biosecurity, animal welfare, customer service, maintenance, staffing, reporting and legislative compliance.

Biosecurity remains a key consideration for Council, with the management of pests and biosecurity risks recognised as a shared responsibility between land managers, industry, the community and all levels of government.

Ms Davies said Council was particularly focused on ensuring the successful operator could demonstrate both practical industry experience and a clear commitment to maintaining the facility as an important regional service.

“Council wants to see strong, practical proposals from operators who understand the region and livestock operations and can work constructively with Council and facility users,” Ms Davies said.

The tender is being conducted through an open market process in accordance with Council’s procurement requirements and local government obligations.

Tender submissions close at 5pm on 21 August 2026.

Tender documents are available by searching for Flinders Shire Council tenders on VendorPanel at: www.vendorpanel.com.au/publictenders.aspx

For further information, prospective tenderers should refer to the tender documentation and submit any enquiries through the formal tender process.