MAJOR UPGRADE FOR BEGA SALEYARDS

The Bega Valley Saleyards have received a major upgrade to improve animal welfare standards and facilities for local farmers, buyers and sellers. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the upgrade included the installation of rubber matting on concrete livestock pens, an open bay with shade and a rainwater tank.

“The Bega Saleyards support more than 2,000 buyers and sellers from across the region every year.  These important upgrades will improve the safety, accessibility and functionality of this site supporting the local agricultural community,” Mr McCormack said.

Minister for Drought David Littleproud said the project was funded under the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme which is providing ongoing support for regional communities.

“Under this programme, the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government delivered $1 million to the Bega Valley Shire Council. $790,000 was spent upgrading the saleyards and the remaining $210,000 funded fencing materials and labour to help local landholders replace 150 kilometres of internal and boundary fencing severely damaged in last year’s bush fires.” 

Senator for New South Wales Jim Molan AO DSC, who attended today’s event, said these projects would ease some of the burden for residents who have been doing it tough due to drought.

“All upgrades and projects funded under the Bega Valley Shire Drought Communities Project used local resources and businesses, created 14 construction jobs and eight ongoing jobs, providing long-term benefits for this wonderful part of the nation,” Senator Molan said.

Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor Councillor Kristy McBain said the local project was developed in consultation with local farming groups and co-operatives, support organisations and major agricultural businesses. 

“The challenges and difficulties posed by the drought in an area such as ours, where the agricultural sector represents a large proportion of the workforce, are significant and it’s imperative that as a community we do everything we can to support the industry,” Cr McBain said.

“The saleyards are a key asset for local farmers to meet and discuss a range of industry trends, issues and opportunities and are also a space for socialisation and peer support in challenging times such as these.

“This upgrade has immensely improved the functionality, accessibility, safety and amenity of the site and I am very much looking forward to seeing the positive flow-on effects of this investment.” 

The Bega Valley Shire Drought Communities Project received $1 million in funding from the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government under the Drought Communities Programme Extension.