“At this stage it is likely that council will transition from a council-ran service to a service that is ran by a private operator,” Corangamite Shire’s corporate and community services director David Rae said.

The council’s 2018-19 draft budget shows Corangamite does not expect to have to put any money into the livestock selling centre in the next financial year.

The shire announced in September last year that it would be seeking expressions of interest to manage the yards. 

It hopes a private operator will increase investment in the site and future-proof the saleyards.

Mayor Jo Beard said a private operator would provide the best result for the saleyards, farmers and ratepayers.