19 September, 2019

The new masterplan for Gunnedah Regional Saleyards is just the beginning of exciting developments which will secure Gunnedah's spot as a national leader in the beef industry.

Gunnedah Shire Council adopted the masterplan for the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards this week. The $17.5 million Masterplan includes:

• A state of the art Office, Cafe and Education Centre
• Construction of major structures to place under roof an entire hectare of primary work areas and cattle holding yards
• Major biosecurity improvements including a Drive-Through Truck Wash facility capable of taking road trains
• Major upgrade of the additional 4 bay truck wash facility
• Installation of technology infrastructure and high speed internet capability to allow smart technology applications and stream of on-line content
• Fenced containment of the site and major security upgrades
• Sealing of internal roads, lighting upgrades
• Upgrades of all loading ramp facilities
• Surface and gate renewal programs
• Public access gantry and other access improvements
• Making the site completely self-sufficient through the installation of up to 1 megawatt of solar panels and major stormwater harvesting and reuse facilities.

The saleyards are already among the country's top 10 cattle-selling centres, with more than $100 million worth of cattle sold each year.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the significant improvements in the masterplan were a major step in cementing the shire's future role as a beef hub.

"We are a resilient community and by diversifying our economy and building on our strengths, we will ensure a strong future for Gunnedah Shire," Cr Chaffey said.

"This masterplan is an important blueprint for the saleyards and will mean the facility is positioned to meet the needs of the future and open to all opportunities.

"We are poised to realise our potential as a national leader in the beef industry, but the saleyards are only one piece in the puzzle.

"We are working hard to attract investors to a new abattoir; there is strong interest in new feedlots and in expanding existing feedlots within the shire.

"There is a very clear direction for Gunnedah to become a major centre for beef, providing we have the support of the state and federal governments."

Cr Chaffey said the fact that there were no formal submissions about the Saleyards masterplan during the period of public exhibition was tribute to the fact there had been strong involvement from the community and stakeholders during its development.

The masterplan includes a number of infrastructure projects including removal of the sheepyards, relocation of the carpark and canteen as part of a multi-use building on the same side of the highway as the saleyards, yard expansion and technology improvements.

Gunnedah Shire Council voted to start work on developing the masterplan into one or more "shovel-ready" projects to seek grant funding, and to look at options for multi-purpose use of the upgraded buildings included in the masterplan.

Photo Caption: saleyards in action

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.