Sale yard funding boosts regional meat production
Regional saleyards at Katanning, Boyanup and Mt Barker have collectively received a $21.5 million boost from the Liberal-
National Government.
The $21.5 million announcement follows the opening of the $54million Muchea Livestock Centre earlier this year.
Saleyards play a significant role in the economic and social interaction of country life. This is especially the case in times
of drought, when sales bring producers, re-stockers, agents, transporters and exporters together.
The livestock industry has been calling for these improvements for many years, but frustration set in after their concerns
fell on deaf ears during the eight years of the previous government. However, within two years of the current
government, the Department of Agriculture and Food had undertaken extensive industry consultation towards a
modernized saleyards network.
The funding is a win-win situation for producers, livestock workers, the animals and the environment.
Meat producers can now look forward with confidence to a modern and efficient infrastructure with facilities which will
accommodate growth and generate prosperity. Workers handling the animals will enjoy high standards of occupational
health and safety, the welfare of the animals will be a priority, and there will be enhanced environmental management.
The new facilities will also ensure stock are efficiently processed for sale and presented in optimal condition.
The state government has provided $17million for the construction of new sheep saleyards at Katanning, which will be
built in a prime location away from the town centre and will continue to be owned and operated by the local Shire Council.
A further $2.2million has been allocated to kick start a replacement for the Boyanup cattle facilities, where the Shire of
Capel has indicated support for provision of services by the private sector and the State Government.
The Shire of Plantagenet has been given $2.3million to clear debt from the Mt Barker cattle saleyards and to provide a
solid business basis for the yard’s future.
Copyright Brian Ellis MLC © 2009 - 2011
Electorate Office: Unit 1, Druids Hall, Corner Durlacher and Sanford Streets, Geraldton, WA 6530. PO Box 231, Geraldton, WA 6531
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Ph: +61 (08) 9923 9211; Fax: +61 (08) 9923 9222; Email: brian.ellis@mp.wa.gov.au
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