Dalrymple Saleyards: Major infrastructure works completed

Charters Towers Regional Council announced today the completion of major infrastructure development works at the Dalrymple Saleyards.

The infrastructure works included the construction of four live export cattle holding yards, a laneway network and 2 water tanks with a storage capacity to hold one million litres of water. 

Other works included stock water troughs, a water pipe network, erection of a stock-proof fence and the purchase of a diesel-powered water pump.

These new additions have facilitated an increase to the holding capacity for live export cattle from 12,000 head to 16,500 head.

The $172,000 infrastructure works were fully funded by the Works for Queensland Program, an initiative of the Queensland Government.

Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe congratulated Charters Towers Regional Council for completing the Dalrymple Saleyards project.

“The Dalrymple Saleyards upgrade is a wonderful example of how successful the Works for Queensland program is for regional councils and their communities right across state,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“In Charters Towers alone, the $600 million program has so far seen $5.58 million allocated for 30 projects that have created or supported 150 jobs.”

“The Works for Queensland Program is a great initiative and we are grateful for the State Government’s support.” said Cr Bernie Robertson

“The Dalrymple Saleyards competes to be the third largest cattle handling facility in Queensland and it’s expanded holding capacity is very beneficial to the live export industry.”   Between January 2013 and November 2018, the Saleyards were responsible for the assembly and processing of approximately 630,000 head of live export cattle that were shipped from the Port of Townsville.

“The majority of live export cattle are sourced from grazing enterprises located in Central, North, Northwest and Far North Queensland.

“These grazing enterprises are reliant upon the sustainable growth of the Australian Live Cattle Export Industry.

“This new infrastructure development will consequently support the long-term growth of local businesses. In addition, the Charters Towers Regional Council will achieve an income source to support regional development. 

“Economic development is one of Council’s priority areas of focus. We will continue to strive to ensure Council assets are used in a manner that benefits the entire Region and grazing and associated industries are key to our prosperity.” said Cr Robertson.

OGG 27 November, 2018