Singleton's livestock selling centre at Clydesdale looks set for a further transformation thanks to an injection of $2.7 million from the Federal government.
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Like a number of regional saleyards the facility is now privately operated and where once pens were uncovered and constructed of timber the sale pens are now fully covered, with soft flooring and made of steel.
Today's funding announcement will enable the replacement of the existing ageing amenities building with new offices for the saleyard's operators RLX Group - Regional Livestock Exchange, agents, new canteen as well as new livestock weighing and processing facilities, new access walkways and unloading ramp.
Works also include upgrades for traffic movement, parking and amenity areas to improve vehicle access and safety.
To fully covered the $3.4m cost of the upgrade Singleton Council (owners) and RLX Group will be providing the additional monies.
Visiting Singleton Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said cattle saleyards were vital pieces of infrastructure to support Australia's thriving beef industry.
"The Hunter is an important area for beef production and investing in the infrastructure we need to maximise efficiencies will put more food on the table for Australians as well as bringing in export dollars," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"The beef industry is very important to supporting employment in the Hunter and this funding will enable the Hunter saleyards to operate at a higher capacity to support the agriculture industry and create jobs in the region."
Singleton mayor Su Moore said the funding was a big tick for the Singleton Infrastructure Agenda 2021/2022, which outlines key projects for the Singleton local government area and the funds required.
"Council has taken a proactive approach through advocacy and our own initiatives, such as the Singleton Community Economic Development Fund, to support and enhance the rejuvenation of our economy to ensure our community thrives well into the future," she said.
"This project is an important inclusion on our Infrastructure Agenda which will, amongst other things, allow us to grow the capacity of the saleyards, improve the returns to local sellers and improve animal welfare noting that the facility generates more than $40 million in stock sales annually.
"The development application for the new administration and kiosk building is already approved, and we're looking forward to working with Regional Livestock Exchange to deliver this project as soon as possible."
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
