$2.5 million contribution for upgrade of Inverell Livestock Exchange

09 Jul 2018

In a massive win for primary producers across the New England-North West, Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has announced that Inverell saleyards will undergo a $7.5 million redevelopment.

 

The upgrade and redevelopment of Inverell Livestock Exchange will be supported by a $2.5 million grant from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream.  

 

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Inverell community,” Mr Joyce said. “It represents a significant investment in building a stronger local economy and driving jobs for the long term here in the New England.

 

“The farming sector is the backbone in regional communities across our electorate and delivery of a modern, dynamic selling facility in Inverell will go a long way toward supporting that.”

 

Upgrades in the $7.5 million Inverell project include:

  • a new amenities building for transport drivers,
  • new undercover selling pens with soft flooring,
  • upgraded weighing and animal handling facilities,
  • new feed yards with feed bunks to improve animal welfare outcomes,
  • expanded truck parking and decoupling area to improve heavy vehicle safety and driver fatigue and new truck wash down facilities.

 

Upgrades will also improve occupational health and safety for staff and visitors, animal welfare including shade for livestock while the installation of new ramps will increase productivity and reduce risk of accidents.

 

“The saleyards redevelopment will have major flow-on benefits across the community and is supported by our $35,600 grant to Inverell council just last week to develop a Cultural and Arts Strategic Plan and $2.8 million we announced last year for upgrade of Scone Saleyards. It’s all working to ensure our region will continue to thrive and prosper in the future” Mr Joyce said. 

 

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the project will deliver significant economic and social benefits to the community.

 

“Under round two of the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream, the Coalition Government is investing well over $200 million in 136 projects with a total leveraged project value of $459 million,” Dr McVeigh said.

 

“The Coalition has a plan for regional Australia and we are focused on getting it done. It’s a plan to create more jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities”.

 

“A further $200 million was announced in the 2018-19 Budget for a third round of the Building Better Regions Fund - a clear indication of the Coalition Government’s commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.”

 

The second round of the Building Better Regions Fund, which includes the Community Investments stream and the Infrastructure Projects stream, is expected to create some 10,000 jobs from over 240 projects.

(ENDS)

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