THE future plans for the Mount Gambier and Districts Saleyard are one step closer with the District Council of Grant submitting a full application in the federal government’s Growing Regions Program.
The Mount Gambier Districts Livestock Exchange 2030 Transformation Project is an application to further develop the popular site with soft-floor cladding, cattle yard roofing, holding pen reconfigurations, sprinkler systems and rainwater harvesting.
The application is part of a two-stage process with council already deemed successful in the expression of interest stage last year.
Council endorsed the full program application to be submitted at a recent special meeting last week with chief executive Darryl Whicker stating council has worked diligently to position a strong advocacy to support the project.
“Presenting a complete application in the federal government’s Growing Regions Program signifies that this once in a generation project is shovel ready thanks to the hard work of staff and stakeholders over the last four years,” Mr Whicker said.
“The Saleyards are a premium selling centre and Council is committed to continuing to support primary producers in an auction environment to set the best price.”
Mount Gambier and District Saleyards strategy committee presiding member Barry Kuhl said the upgrades would give the agricultural precinct the opportunity for future growth and development.
“This major project holds significant value for our community with the estimated economic uplift to the region supporting an increase in local jobs,” Mr Kuhl said.
“These positive economic benefits would not be limited to the local community but expand outside the region to the wider Australian economy also.
“In addition, the Saleyards Transformation is essential to ensure the wellbeing of many of our residents with research supporting the importance of Saleyard facilities in building a sense of connection and belonging.”
Mount Gambier agents committee chairperson Brad Holdman said it was a fantastic step for the saleyards and the community as well as council itself.
“This is a big step in what has been a long process and the soft flooring will be beneficial not only for the welfare of the animal but also for the saleyards,” Mr Holdman said.
“We are very happy with the work of council and the community which has worked so hard.”
This project remains reliant on appropriate funding at the Federal, State and Local levels of Government.
Council will await state two application outcomes for the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program anticipated to be announced in the coming months.
