The exporters body also called on AWEX to close the remaining "out" centres in Australia as quickly as possible.

Other centres which an AWEX spokesman told Reuters on Tuesday were being considered for closure are Goulburn, Launceston and Newcastle.

The council's policy for many years had been to have only one major auction centre in each region, president Claus Gyrn said.

The decision to close Adelaide would disappoint some but the wool industry must pursue every opportunity to reduce costs and improve efficiency, he said.

Various studies in recent years had clearly shown that all relevant parties, growers, brokers and buyers, would benefit from the closure of Adelaide and the transfer of its sales to Melbourne, he said.

South Australian wool will be sold by sample in Melbourne after Adelaide closes, just as Queensland wool is sold by sample in Sydney following the closure of Brisbane sales.