Charlotte Varcoe
THE State Liberal Government has matched the Opposition’s commitment of $2.7m towards the upgrade of the Mount Gambier saleyards.
Expecting to cost about $11m, the Grant District Council has welcomed the support from both political parties.
Previously, the government committed $850,000 to the project which was increased this week by $1.85m.
The project is expected to improve the facility by building roofs, solar power, softfalls, water captures and more modern technology for online sales and auctions.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham made the increased funding announcement during a whirlwind visit to the South East.
Last year, council was unsuccessful in securing the funding from the Building Better Regions Fund and planned to re-apply for the next round.
Speaking to The Border Watch, Mr Bashsam said the announcement made by the Opposition last week was a “nothing commitment” and meant nothing in the long term.
“The issue with Labor’s announcement is their funding commitment means nothing,” he said.
“They are not the government in power and the money had to be on the table by the current government.
“This is not an election promise, the funding is already in the budget to be spent so it is money that is there.”
Mr Basham said he was happy to announce the increase in funding, labelling it as a “wonderful opportunity”.
“This project will bring the area up to world-class standards,” he said.
“It was important we get the funding on the table by this week because it needed to be there for the Building Better Regions Fund.”
Despite the tight timelines, Mr Basham also encouraged the Federal Government to remain on board and provide its section of funding.
Grant District Council chief executive Darryl Whicker said council was feeling more comfortable and confident in its re-application for round six of the funding program and hoped it was successful.
“The Building Better Regions Fund requires three tiers of government funding and we are very pleased the State Government has come on board,” Mr Whicker said.
“We are also pleased by the announcement made by Labor last week because it puts us in a great position to lodge the application.”
Mr Whicker said elected members believed the council was positioned well with the current application to receive the funding.
Mount Gambier Liberal Candidate Ben Hood said he had previously sought a commitment in Adelaide when he met with Premier Steven Marshall and Treasurer Rob Lucas.
“This ongoing commitment from the government shows great support for our livestock industry and it is going to be fantastic for our region,” Mr Hood said.
“It shows how vital the project is for the region for primary productions and sets up the saleyards to be at the forefront of livestock sales as we go forward.”
