But local farmer Ken Crossley, who has for many years advocated for Deniliquin Saleyards to become a larger regional complex, says council is making a mistake.
The plans were described in a press release issued on November 27, which had a primary focus on the sheep yards investment.
Council has not yet announced a closing date, saying it would be determined in consultation with users.
Council said it had assessed several options and had already engaged with user groups before landing on its preferred option.
“The cattle yards are an essential service for the majority of council ratepayers, farmers and stock agents, and anyone else associated with the saleyards in any shape or form,” Mr Crossley said.
“It is not just the farmers who are going to be affected.”
Council said the decision to close the cattle yards was "not only focused around cost avoidance but, importantly, risk prevention".
“We are just not seeing the cattle pass through the yards, with vendors preferring markets in nearby centres and even online auction sites,” Edward River Mayor Norm Brennan said.
“We have looked at several options and engaged with user groups, however, council has agreed to divest and close the cattle yards in time.
“To upgrade the Deniliquin cattle yards to match competitors including the Wagga Wagga or Echuca Livestock Exchange, or even Finley, a significant investment would be required.
“We believe we would we not see a return to ratepayers or see an increase in demand for the cattle yards.”
Elders Rural Services livestock manager and senior auctioneer Jason Andrews said he hoped the user groups could persuade council to abandon the closure.
“It will become just another thing that will close, and when they do close you rarely get them back up,” Mr Andrews said.
Arentz & Barker Southern Riverina Livestock Deniliquin livestock agent Stephen Arentz, who has worked in the industry for more than 40 years, was "furious" when Mr Crossley told him of council’s decision and described it as an "absolute disgrace".
He said the yards would not need so much investment if there had been regular maintenance over the years.
“The conditions of the yard are an absolute disgrace and a blight on the people who live in this town,” he said.
“I think council needs to come and have a look at the yards again and do what good councils are supposed to do for their municipality — build infrastructure that is good for the town, not turn your back on it.”
Council said it would engage with users and stakeholders to develop a strategy that allowed enough time for alternative arrangements and contingencies, including what to do with the cattle yards once they are closed.
