The Mount Gambier and District Saleyards has issued an expression of interest through SA Tenders as the next step in its proposed $11m transformation plan.

The project, headed by the Mount Gambier Combined Agents and Saleyards manager David Wallis, is set to include 30 new selling pens, roofing and soft flooring as well as a reconfiguration of the existing selling pens.

The call is out for either a principal contractor or multiple contractors for six co-located portions by the time the expression of interest expires on July 26 at 5pm.

The group has been guaranteed $5.7m of the $11m build through a principal agreement by SA Premier Peter Malanaskius and the Grant District Council.

A site inspection by contractors took place recently with the hope of receiving additional funding from the Federal Government.

Mr Wallis said without federal funding the group could not get a successful contract, so all they could do is receive expressions of interest.

“We are starting the process, but we cannot do any actual work until we secure the Federal funding,” he said.

“We are hoping to identify contractors that can do the scope of work so we can be shovel ready if we are successful in receiving the federal funding otherwise it will take another 6-12 months if the funding comes through.

Saleyards management applied for the Building Better Regions Fund 06 in February, however the scheme no longer exists as it was a Liberal Government funding agreement and a new government has since formed.

“We are being optimistic the money will come through; a lot of members are indicating they think it is a great idea but we just need that final signature to sign off on our plan,” Mr Wallis said.