$5m redevelopment of Armidale and Guyra Livestock Selling Facilities

The Armidale region is set to become a centre of excellence in the management and sale of livestock with yesterday's announcement of $5 million funding towards the significant redevelopment of the Armidale and Guyra Livestock Selling Facilities.

Member for Northern Tablelands and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall made the announcement on Monday joined by Interim Administrator Viv May and president of the New England Associated Agents Sam Sewell.

Council submitted the funding application in collaboration with the New England Associated Agents which included significant safety, animal husbandry, water recycling and online sales improvements as a focus.

The Armidale Saleyards will continue to only manage cattle and includes replacement and extension of cattle holding yards, expansion of vehicle parking area, implementation of roof water harvesting and wash-down reuse, renewal of cattle weighing scales, refurbishment of amenities and offices and installation of solar panels.

The Guyra Saleyards will remain the focus for sheep sales in the region and includes replacement of timber sheep yards with steel, reconstruction of loading races, relocation of cattle yards, refurbishment and expansion to amenities and kiosk facilities, renew water supply and stock water troughs and improvements to internal and external access roads.

Interim Administrator Viv May said Monday’s announcement was a huge win for the region and for the region’s livestock producers who have been hit significantly by drought, bushfires and Covid-19.

“This big ticket infrastructure project will inject much needed jobs into the local economy and provide world class, best practice livestock management facilities ensuring our region’s producers are given every opportunity to secure the best price at market and take advantage of growing online sales opportunities.

“The more people we can attract to the sales in our region the more the local economy will be boosted with the economic benefits flowing to our cafes, restaurants and retail environment.

“I would like to extend a big thankyou to Adam Marshall who was a big supporter of the project and helped to secure the funds through the State and Federal Government funded Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

Construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2021 with work completed by the mid 2022.

Published on 27 Oct 2020