WVLX director Brendan Abbey said he was very heartened by the strong support from livestock producers and buyers as well as the big interest in the new facility from the public.

“Every major and minor meatworks in Victoria and South Australia is here. Even buyers from Wagga in NSW are here,” Mr Abbey said.

“We have seven different companies buying bullocks. We have lots of competition,” he said.

WVLX Stock Agents Association president Bruce Redpath said the yarding of 2047 head was of outstanding quality and the top bullocks, averaging 520 kilograms, sold for 274c/kg.

The best heavy bullocks, 700kgs+, made from 258c-264c/kg and young trade cattle made up to 272c/kg.

The best heifers made 262c/kg and the best heavy cows 215c/kg.

The inaugural sale at the $15 million facility included buyers from the eastern side of Victoria who had never bought in the western district before and included representatives from Teys Bros, JBS and the Australian Meat Group, Mr Redpath said.

He said the soft floor in the selling pens had helped to keep the cattle calm and quiet.

Cattle were weighed post-sale but Mr Redpath said bulls would be weighed pre-sale at next Monday’s prime sale.

Among the south-west cattle producers watching with interest was Stephen Sambell of Ballangeich who said he expected to sell stock through the new facility because it was only 15 minutes drive from his property.

Mr Sambell said he had previously sold through Warrnambool saleyards but expected the new Mortlake yards would be the main venue he used for his sales through saleyards.

He doubted Warrnambool City Council’s commitment to the Warrnambool saleyards and expected the Mortlake yards would draw other producers would currently sold through Warrnambool.

“In the long run, I cannot see it (Warrnambool saleyards) lasting,” Mr Sambell said.

Nick Moyle of Moyne Pathfinder Angus at Gazette near Penshurst said he expected to sell surplus steers through the new yards.