Pictured with Upper Hunter Shire Council General Manager Steve McDonald, Mayor Wayne Bedggood, Deputy Mayor Maurice Collison and State Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen marking the first stages of redevelopment at Scone saleyards.
Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has welcomed the start of works at Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre which is undergoing an $11.8 million redevelopment.
Partly funded with $2.8 million in assistance through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, the project marked its first major milestone recently with the official start of construction.
“It is great to see this modern selling facility in Scone taking shape which will soon be able to process more cattle with increased efficiency to deliver better returns for agents and producers in the Upper Hunter,” Mr Joyce said.
“It will secure more jobs and support a stronger local economy for farming families across the southern reaches of the New England electorate.
“It’s working hand in glove with neighbouring projects we’re funding like Scone Bypass, which started construction today, Aviation Visitor Attraction at Scone Airport and upgrade of White Park’s equestrian facilities.”
Upgrade works at Scone Regional Livestock and Selling Centre include construction of about 7000 square metres of roof area over selling and holding pens; installation of water tanks and a water reticulation system to provide drinking water to livestock; new power distribution, supply and lighting, and close circuit television (CCTV) system and IT upgrade to Livestock Selling System improving sale day efficiency and offering online live streaming and auctioning.
Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Wayne Bedggood said the project will increase the capacity, efficiency and sustainability of saleyard operations, support increased economic activity, and also increase the safety and welfare for the livestock, and those working or visiting the saleyards.
Funding for the project includes a $325,700 grant from the Fixing Country Truck Washes program - a joint NSW and Australian Government initiative.
(ENDS)