Successful grant application for Kyneton Saleyards

Successful grant application for Kyneton Saleyards

Published on 17 July 2018

The historic Kyneton Saleyards will be improved and upgraded and local jobs will be created following a successful grant application by Council to the Australian Government.

Council will receive $878,500 through a Building Better Regions Fund—Infrastructure grant to assist in funding stage one of the $1.757 million Macedon Ranges Livestock Exchange and Truck Park project.

The project aims to make Kyneton Saleyards a competitive, sustainable and safe facility that supports local and regional economic growth, meets industry standards, builds on its existing strengths and capitalises on its strategic location in central Victoria.

Improvements to the livestock exchange area will include:

A new roof with solar panels, lighting and soft floors on the cattle site to improve animal welfare and yield Water harvesting and reuse from the new roof to reduce water consumption and volume of water discharged to the waste water treatment facility New fencing, walkways, upgrades to cattle loading ramps and walkway rails to improve conditions for both people and animals.

Upgrades to the adjacent truck wash area will see two additional truck wash bays established to help meet user demand, parking improvements, road sealing to assist with dust compression, extra water storage tanks and pumps, and an upgraded amenity block with showers and change areas.

About 25 jobs will be created during construction work, and up to 18 new staff will be required by the saleyards and local stock agents to deal with increased demand at the facility.

Chief Executive Officer, Margot Stork said the flow-on effect to the local economy would see about 100 jobs generated in the agricultural, construction, transport, services, tourism and hospitality sectors.

“The new and upgraded saleyards and truck wash facilities will be of great benefit to the region,” she said.

“The project will not only deliver improved animal welfare standards and conditions at the saleyards, it will help us to attract more livestock sellers and buyers to the area.”

Ms Stork said the improvements also would lead to reduced operational costs, and help boost the facility’s income.

“A flourishing and successful saleyards precinct will be of great benefit not only to the users and to the township of Kyneton, but to the wider region as well.

“The saleyards has been operating on its site for more than 150 years and these improvements will help us to ensure its ongoing viability in the long term.”

Council will provide a matching contribution of $878,500 for the project, which is expected to be completed next year.

For more information on the saleyards, visit Kyneton Saleyards