The State Government has confirmed its commitment to quarantine $2.7m towards the redevelopment of the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards.
Labor pledged $2.7m towards Grant District Council’s Saleyards Transformation Project, subject to council accessing matching Commonwealth funding, while in opposition.
While council was not successful in obtaining funding through round one of the Commonwealth Growing Regions Program, with the security provided by the State Government funding commitment, council intends to apply for round two of the program in the coming weeks.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the State Government funding commitment was maintained subject to Grant District Council securing matching Commonwealth funding.
“The saleyards are the largest cattle livestock exchange facility in the Limestone Coast, and are a known significant contributor to the region’s agricultural economy,” she said.
“The major upgrade of the saleyards could provide an increase of an estimated 20 to 30%vof weekly fat market sales.
“These increased sales provide a platform for expansion and growth opportunities for primary producers and local businesses.
Minister Scriven said the government understood the importance of the saleyards as an integral part of the agricultural sector in the South East and its importance for social interaction and the well-being of primary producers that attend the yards.
“I am delighted that we have quarantined the $2.7m for this project, which further demonstrates our long-standing commitment and support,” she said.
Mount Gambier and District Saleyards Strategy Committee Presiding Member Cr Barry Kuhl welcomed the news.
“Council is delighted with the State Government’s announcement to re-commitment
$2.7m towards our Mount Gambier and District Saleyards Transformation Project and thank Minister Scriven for her continued strong advocacy,” he said.
“We are looking forward to working in partnership with the State Government to position any future application favourably.”
