LIVESTOCK will now be effectively and efficiently showcased in Swan Hill with significant upgrades to the saleyards now complete.
Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster joined Swan Hill Rural City Council (SHRCC) mayor Ann Young, councillors, committee members and local producers to officially launch the upgraded livestock exchange on Monday.
“The upgrade here will assist farmers from around the region to effectively and efficiently showcase and sell their livestock thanks to new cattle yards and selling ring, bull pens and weigh scale, cattle troughs and scale house building,” Dr Webster said.
“The new Swan Hill exchange will be a vast improvement on the previous facilities, boasting a new scale deck and sheep laneways, pneumatic gate and a newly refurbished truck wash bay.”
The refurbishment of the saleyards was funded by the federal government’s stronger regions fund ($876,000) and council contributions, resulting in an overall $2.2 million upgrade.
“I praise this council for their foresight, diligence and hard work,” Dr Webster said.
“Improvements have created a facility that is now an exceptional standard for livestock and for those who work here.”
Now a safer and more efficient place to buy and sell stock, the saleyards were redesigned following the establishment of a committee consisting of six local producers.
Head of the committee Barry Bishop said the yards were redeveloped with a “very strong eye for the future”.
“We visited other saleyards in towns like Wagga Wagga and Shepparton and tried to look 20 years ahead,” Mr Bishop told The Guardian.
“The yards reflect the views of the entire industry from producers to transporters and agents.
“The final result is very demographic and Swan Hill now has the capacity to become a strong selling area.”
