The $3.7 million redevelopment of the Wangaratta saleyards is on track, with Premier Daniel Andrews today officially launching the project ahead of its expected completion by January 2016.
The saleyards are getting new roofing over the existing yards, soft flooring, dust suppression system, lighting and stormwater drainage, yard modification, a new auctioneer’s walkway and a new stormwater capture and reuse system.
The new roofing and structural steel works were completed in recent weeks and the project is on track for completion by the end of January.
The redevelopment will boost the saleyards’ share of live cattle sales in Victoria and is expected to create up to 36 new jobs across the region, while increasing local economic activity by up to $5.5 million per annum.
The saleyards are the second largest in Victoria’s north east, hosting 65 sales annually with a throughput of about 50,000 cattle - accounting for 5 per cent of cattle auctioned state wide.
The facility employs eight people directly, and contributes a further 95 full times jobs to the region.
Benefits of the project also include safety improvements, enhanced comfort for patrons and stock, reductions in operational costs through reduced cleaning and water and compost reuse facilities.
Joined by the Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, Mr Andrews toured the saleyards, which received $500,000 from the Victorian Government from the $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, with the Rural City Council of Wangaratta providing funds of close to $2.8 million towards the project.
The Labor Government has also provided $500,000 to upgrade the Euroa Saleyards.
Mr Andrews said because he grew up on a nearby beef farm, he knew how important the saleyards were to farmers and their families.
