20 August 2019

Saleyard users are urged to have their say on a new draft masterplan for the precinct that advises a way forward for the next 20 years.

Gunnedah Shire Council Chief Financial Officer Damien Connor said the draft Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Precinct Masterplan would be on public exhibition for comment until September 9.

“Gunnedah Regional Saleyards are the fourth largest cattle selling centre in NSW, and the eighth in Australia,” Mr Connor said.

“Over the past 10 years, the saleyards have averaged about 120,000 head of cattle. That’s more than $100 million a year.

“It’s an important facility for Gunnedah Shire and it’s critical that we plan ahead to ensure it not only stays that way, but caters for whatever the future of the industry might hold.

“This masterplan looks at both the short and longer-term phases to keep the saleyards at the top of its game.”

The draft Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Precinct Masterplan notes that in 2017-18, the saleyards were estimated to have generated $16.8 million in industry output for Gunnedah businesses, $9.1 million to Gunnedah’s gross regional product and supported about 60 full-time equivalent jobs, providing $4.6 million in wages and salaries.

The draft masterplan recommends a number of significant infrastructure projects, potentially staged over time including:

• Removal of the sheepyards
• Relocation of the canteen and carpark as part of a multi-use building on the same side of the highway as the saleyards
• Technology improvements to keep pace with advances in the industry
• Lighting, nightwatchman’s office, ramp upgrades and security fencing
• Yard reconstruction and expansion
• Central roof
• Truckwash

“The saleyards have been operating since 1919 and times have changed,” Mr Connor said. “The industry is continuing to change, and planning ahead means we will be well placed to not only adapt, but to take advantages of the opportunities this could present for Gunnedah.”

The draft masterplan is the result of community and stakeholder consultation, economic and industry research.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors voted to adopt the draft masterplan to go on public exhibition at this week’s council meeting.

View the Draft Saleyards Masterplan online here, visit Gunnedah Shire Council’s site at AgQuip, or visit the council offices at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

The draft masterplan along with all feedback received will subsequently be reported back to Council for consideration and adoption of the final Saleyards Masterplan.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah’s Saleyards in action.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.