The Gunnedah Saleyards redevelopment has reached an exciting milestone with Joint Regional Planning Panel approval of the development application lodged by Gunnedah Shire Council in March.
The saleyards precinct upgrade received an announcement of $14 million in funding from the NSW Government in September 2020 and has been supported by a Gunnedah Shire Council co-contribution of $3.56 million.
Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said it was exciting to see the project moving forward.
"This project capitalises on Gunnedah's strengths in agriculture, creating opportunities to grow our already successful beef base and access new online markets," Mr Groth said.
"We are excited to have the NSW Government's support for positioning Gunnedah among the national leaders in this industry. 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.
"With the redeveloped Gunnedah Saleyards facility, we will be at the forefront of technology and ready for the opportunities of the future."
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said that now approvals had been granted on the new saleyards, investors in the Gunnedah Shire can have confidence of the future growth of the region's protein industry.
"This project represents a $14 million investment in the future of the Gunnedah Shire," Mr Anderson said.
"Gunnedah already sees around 120,000 head of cattle move through the yards each year representing over $100 million in sales and this $14 million investment will support and grow that local industry well into the future.
"This facility will be a state-of-the art and will bring our local agriculture industry to the forefront of modern practice and technology."
The application outlines a range of upgrades and innovations, including:
- Construction of a multi-purpose administration building, comprising of office and administration spaces, a café and outdoor dining area and amenities;
• Construction of multiple roof structures over the existing yard and pen areas,
• Construction of new feed store and workshop sheds;
• Improvements to infrastructure including gates, fencing, gantries and watering systems;
• A new drive-through truck wash capable of accommodating road trains;
• Bitumen sealing of internal roads and internal lighting upgrades;
• Construction of off-street car parking for light vehicles and a parking/queuing area for heavy vehicles;
• Technological improvements including wi-fi and high-speed internet to facilitate on-line sales and other smart technology applications;
• Fenced containment of the site and major security upgrades;
• Upgrades of cattle loading/unloading ramps;
• Making the site more self-sufficient through the installation of up to 1 megawatt of solar panels and installation of Water tanks with the capacity to hold 1,324kl through major stormwater harvesting and reuse facilities.
It is anticipated the project will be completed in 2022.
Caption: The Gunnedah Saleyards redevelopment will ensure the facility is ready for the opportunities of the future.
