SWAN Hill Council postponed Thursday's livestock sales at the Swan Hill Regional Livestock Exchange.

Council director of infrastructure Svetla Petkova said she sympathised with local farmers and understood it would cause frustrations.

"A number of factors have influenced the decision to cancel this week’s sale, including safety and transport company access," she said.

"Current flooding across Victoria has meant that access to the saleyards has been compromised – roads have been cut off due to floods and damage.

"Animal welfare and community safety is our priority at the moment."

Ms Petkova said council staff had been called upon to assist with drainage and flood prevention activities and the saleyard site would be made available for those in need.

Council encouraged agents and rural residents to use direct sale methods, if they are requiring urgent sales.