A $770,000 infrastructure project planned for the region’s largest livestock exchange will drive unloading and loading efficiencies at the facility, which generates yearly sales revenue of $108m.
New industry-leading ramps, platforms and lighting will be rolled-out at the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards to deliver faster and safer stock turnaround.
The project – jointly funded by the State Government and Grant District Council – is expected to create more than 10 ongoing jobs.
Cr Barry Kuhl – presiding member of the saleyards strategic committee – yesterday welcomed the $385,000 funding commitment from the State Government.
Standing at the livestock selling centre yesterday, Cr Kuhl said the saleyards underpinned the region’s multi-million dollar livestock sector, and included producers, transport operators and livestock agents.
“The project will see the installation of two new state-of-the-art adjustable cattle ramps with both rear and side loading options that will cater for both B-doubles and A-doubles,” Cr Kuhl said.
He said this would fuel greater efficiencies for transport sector given there would be greater access for trucks.
“The new ramps will provide increased efficiencies and productivity when loading and unloading cattle, meaning less downtime reduced waiting periods and quicker turnaround,” the elected member said.
He said safety would also be paramount with new fence panels and access loading platforms.
The project will also include reconfiguration of cattle holding pens, civil works to upgrade the access to the new ramps and associated building works.
While the project would also create jobs during in construction, Cr Kuhl said it would secure long term jobs in the important industry.
“I congratulate the State Government for awarding funding to this project and all the staff who were involved in the funding application,” Cr Kuhl said.
The project is expected to begin in the first half of next year and be completed by the end of 2021.
Meanwhile, Mayor Richard Sage said the project was the part of a wider growth blueprint for the livestock exchange, which was owned by council.
“The project will see greater efficiency and less damage to stock,” Mr Sage said.
“This is the start of the saleyards upgrade. Council has yet to determine which way they are going to go.”
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said the decision recognised the importance of the saleyards to the regional economy and community.
“This is the largest cattle-selling facility in the Limestone Coast region, in a cattle industry that generates revenue of $1.3b in the state,” he said.
“The Mount Gambier and District Saleyards infrastructure upgrade project will result in an additional 13 full-time jobs as well as four jobs during construction.”
The State Government has committed $150m over 10 years through the Regional Growth Fund to support regional South Australia as part of its Recharging Our Regions policy.
“The Regional Growth Fund was established to unlock new economic activity in our regions, deliver critical economic infrastructure to create direct benefit across regional industries and strengthen regional communities,” Mr Whetstone said.
