Upper Hunter Shire Council has welcomed a $2,827,248 grant towards the Scone Saleyards from the Building Better Regions Fund, announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce.

 

The funds will go towards completing a $7 million project at the Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre, with the Upper Hunter Shire Council providing the remainder of funds.

 

Council’s 10 year plan provides for the servicing of a saleyards loan of $4.21 million. This loan is fully serviced from the saleyards operational budget. The Saleyards Committee including the Scone selling agents have agreed to increases in vendor and agent fees to accommodate this increased cost.

 

Mayor Wayne Bedggood said the project would increase the capacity and efficiency of the saleyards, support local jobs and increase economic activity.

 

“This will be the biggest upgrade to the saleyards since it was established 45 years ago,” he said.

“Council has undertaken planning for this major upgrade over the past two years and with this funding, construction can commence in the 2017/18 financial year.

“The upgrade works will be carried out whilst the yards remain operational, so there will be significant logistical matters to work through for the users of the yards and the construction teams. This will be some short term pain for some major long term gains.

“The innovative design and latest technology that will be implemented as part of the project will not only result in increased throughput, turnover and efficiencies, but will increase the safety and welfare for the cattle and staff working in the facility,” Cr Bedggood said.

 

Once complete the saleyards will be able to meet the criteria of the National Saleyards Quality Assurance Program and to upgrade the membership status from Participant level to Accredited level which meets the requirements of the Commonwealth Industry Body, SAFEMEAT as well as meeting requirements to retain EU accreditation and meet the biosecurity and animal welfare regulations.