Gunnedah welcomes saleyards news

September 1 , 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has welcomed an announcement by the NSW Government it will contribute $14 million towards a saleyards precinct upgrade that will position Gunnedah as a national leader in the protein industry.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the announcement today by Deputy Premier John Barilaro that the NSW Government would partner with Gunnedah Shire Council to make the Gunnedah Saleyards Master Plan a reality was powerful news for the Shire’s economic future.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has already shown its confidence in this significant project by setting aside up to $3.55 million for the Gunnedah Saleyards Master Plan Project,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I am really pleased the NSW Government has also recognised the importance of this initiative that will mean we are poised to not only expand our already successful beef base, but can lead the way in the saleyard arena.

“From its beginnings in 1919, the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards has grown to become the fourth largest selling centre of cattle in New South Wales, and the eighth largest in Australia. About 120,000 head of cattle are sold each year, with sales in excess of $100 million per annum. With this announcement, we are poised to become a national leader in the protein industry.

“The way forward for this precinct has been designed following extensive industry and community consultation and will make us a powerhouse among beef-selling facilities across regional NSW and beyond, and cement our role in the protein supply chain.

“This investment is about more than the saleyards or even the beef industry, it is a clear vote of confidence in the future of our region and our economy.” The $17.5 million Gunnedah Saleyards Master Plan includes:

• A state of the art Office, Cafe and Education Centre • Construction of major structures to place under roof an entire hectare of primary work areas and cattle holding yards • Major biosecurity improvements including a Drive-Through Truck Wash facility capable of taking road trains • Major upgrade of the additional 4 bay truck wash facility • Installation of technology infrastructure and high speed internet capability to allow smart technology applications and stream of on-line content • Fenced containment of the site and major security upgrades • Sealing of internal roads, lighting upgrades • Upgrades of all loading ramp facilities • Surface and gate renewal programs • Public access gantry and other access improvements • Making the site completely self-sufficient through the installation of up to 1 megawatt of solar panels and major stormwater harvesting and reuse facilities.

Caption: NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey at the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.