Southern Grampians Shire Council has received a boost, with Minister for Education and Member for Wannon Dan Tehan this week announcing a contribution of $715,000 for the cattleyard roof at the Hamilton Regional livestock Exchange. The funding, made available through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, combined with Council’s contribution, will see the $1.3 million project complete by the end of 2019.
Council made the decision to roof the cattle yards at the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX) following a review of operations in 2018. The review comprised one-on-one discussions with key stakeholders including producers, buyers and agents to better understand the drivers and inhibitors to the Hamilton facility. Council pursued the review in an effort to ensure not only the ongoing viability of HRLX, but to ensure growth of the current and future offerings.
Among the recommendations in the report, adopted at Council November meeting, was the commitment of $1.3 million to roof cattle yards 1- 99. Councillors agreed that the lack of a roof on the cattle yards has impacted cattle sales and it was the view of
Council that commitment to this capital expenditure would entice agents and buyers to HRLX.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Mary-Ann Brown says Council was thrilled with the announcement from the Federal Government.
“The Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange is a critical facility for our region and for our local economy. Over the last three years, we’ve seen significant investment here, from Council and both State and Australian Government,” Cr Brown said.
“Council were prepared to fully fund this roof, knowing how crucial it was to the ongoing viability of the saleyards. Now, thanks to this federal funding, we are able to have a first-class facility and have money left to allocate to other important projects for the region.
“We are very appreciative of the ongoing support from the Member for Wannon and the Australian Government towards our region and this important facility,” Cr Brown concluded.
The roof over the cattle yards follows $6.5 million investment in the facility in recent years, including roofing over the sheep yards and sealing of truck delivery areas. The new roofed cattle area will also have the capacity to be used for sheep in peak periods, further increasing the capacity of HRLX for sheep sales.
Media Contact: Alison Quade | 0429 601 208 | aquade@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au