Hughenden Saleyards tender closing soon

Published on 11 August 2026

Flinders Shire Council has renewed calls for submissions to manage the Hughenden Saleyards and Dipping Facility, with 10 days to go until the tender closing date.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their proposals and any questions they have via Council’s procurement platform, VendorPanel, by 5pm on 21 August 2026.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer Kylie Davies said the tender process had been structured to ensure the future operation of the facility was considered carefully and fairly.

“The Hughenden Saleyards and Dipping Facility are important pieces of infrastructure for our local producers, livestock industry, biosecurity framework and broader regional economy,” said Ms Davies.

“Council has gone to market now because the current leases expire on 30 September, and we want to ensure there is enough time for a proper process, clear decision-making and a smooth transition if required.

“The purpose of going to tender is to test the market transparently. Tenderers are encouraged to review the documents carefully, ask clarifying questions through VendorPanel, and submit a proposal that reflects their view of the opportunity.

“The tender also allows for non-conforming submissions, meaning tenderers may put forward an alternative proposal if they believe a different commercial structure or lease arrangement would deliver a better outcome.”

Ms Davies acknowledged there had been some discussion in the community about the proposed commercial arrangements.

After consideration of different operating structures, the proposed arrangement includes a base rental component and a throughput-based component, which is intended to align Council and the operator’s return with facility use.

Ms Davies said this type of structure was not unusual in commercial leasing contexts.

“The structure is similar in principle to commercial arrangements where there is a base rent plus a component linked to activity or turnover,” she said.

“In this case, the more cattle moving through the facility, the greater the opportunity for both the operator and Council to benefit, and for Council to afford to reinvest in the saleyards infrastructure.

“However, Council remains open to considering alternative proposals submitted through the formal tender process.”

Ms Davies emphasised there was no proposal by Council to reduce the required level of service at the Hughenden Saleyards and Dipping Facility.

“The services to be provided are clearly set out in the tender and lease documents, and the successful operator will be required to perform those services in accordance with the agreed contract,” she said.

“Council’s objective is to ensure the facility continues to operate as an important service for producers, transporters, agents and the broader livestock industry, with appropriate standards around biosecurity, animal welfare, compliance and operational reliability.”

Ms Davies added that while community interest in the future of the facility was understandable, the tender process must be conducted fairly and in accordance with procurement and probity requirements.

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.