The City of Greater Bendigo welcomes today's Victorian Government announcement of funding towards stage 1 of the Bendigo Livestock Exchange (BLE) roof development.
The funding is included in the Victorian Government's upcoming 2026/2027 Budget.
Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the funding recognised the BLE's critical role in the region's livestock industry.
"The BLE has a throughput of approximately one million sheep and lambs and contributes an estimated $190M in livestock sales to the Victorian economy annually, while supporting more than 80 jobs onsite and throughout the region," Cr Prince said.
"The BLE is the last of regional Victoria's four main saleyards to be without a roof, and this has been a long-time advocacy project of the City.
"We're very pleased to secure this investment, which will also contribute to improved animal welfare standards and health and safety standards for staff, contractors and visitors.
"The funding will go towards stage 1 of the roof redevelopment, which will involve constructing a roof over all delivery pens, covering approximately one-third of the yard and with a capacity for 18,000. This area has been prioritised because it's where livestock spend the most time in this section of the yards.
"A roof ensures the long-term viability and success of the facility, will help reduce water used to clean the yards and provides future opportunity for added benefits like solar power generation and water harvesting.
"The City is contributing funding towards this project, and we look forward to partnering with the Victorian Government to deliver stage 1."
A further two stages of shelter are proposed, subject to future costings and funding.
