THE Launceston City Council says it has not considered any offers for a farmers' market to be set up at its Killafaddy livestock yards.
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Aldermen deferred a decision 6-5 last week to sell the Killafaddy livestock market property, which has cost the council $124,000 in the past financial year and $436,000 in the past seven years.
Elders Tasmania regional manager Colin Cook requested that the council refrain from closing the facility by December to offer it for sale as a going concern.
General manager Robert Dobrzynski said discussions were ongoing with livestock agents.
"It should be pointed out that no contribution is made to the operating losses of the saleyards from any other council or livestock industry operator," Mr Dobrzynski said.
"The council is in discussions with stock agents regarding means by which council losses could be avoided.
"Either by financial contribution from agents or the leasing of the saleyards by agents in a way that resolved the financial burden currently being borne by LCC ratepayers.
"The council has not considered any proposals for a farmers' market but is keen to ensure that any final proposal regarding the management of the livestock market at Killafaddy incorporates environmental works to rehabilitate portions of the site through initiatives such as tree planting and similar activities."
A change in market conditions and decreased stock through the facility are behind the shortfall.