The Grant District Council Mount Gambier Districts Livestock Exchange 2030 Transformation Project is closer to securing critical funding after submission of a full application in the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program.


The application is part of a two-stage process, beginning with an expression of interest where council was deemed successful to progress in November 2023.


Council endorsed the full Program application to be submitted at a special meeting this month.


Chief executive Darryl Whicker said council has worked diligently to position a strong advocacy to support the project.


“Presenting a complete application in the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program signifies that this once in a generation project is shovel ready thanks to the hard work of staff and stakeholders over the last four years,” Mr Whicker said.


“The saleyards are a premium selling centre and council is committed to continuing to support primary producers in an auction environment to set best price.”


The Mount Gambier Districts Livestock Exchange 2030 Transformation Project still envisages upgrading the facility to modern infrastructure contributing to improved animal welfare with cattle yard roofing, holding pen reconfigurations, soft flooring, sprinkler systems and rainwater harvesting.


This work has been identified as a priority in the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards Masterplan 2018-2028.


Mount Gambier and District Saleyards Strategy Committee Presiding Member and Councillor Barry Kuhl said the upgrades will see the agricultural precinct create opportunity for future growth and development.


“This major project holds significant value for our community with the estimated economic uplift to the region supporting an increase in local jobs,” Cr Kuhl said.


“These positive economic benefits would not be limited to the local community but expand outside the region to the wider Australian economy also.


“In addition, the saleyards transformation is essential to ensure the wellbeing of many of our residents with research supporting the importance of saleyard facilities in building a sense of connection and belonging.”


This project remains reliant on appropriate funding at the Federal, State and Local levels of Government.


The council will await Stage 2 application outcomes for the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program anticipated to be announced in the coming months.