This month could see progress on the long awaited $6million upgrade of the Singleton saleyards following news that design work has been finalised on the project and tenders will soon be called for its construction.
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Council obtained the $6 million funding for the complex through the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program in March 2014.
In February 2016 Council called for tenders to undertake the design and upgrade work however in May last year council announced they had rejected all the tenders, in part, due to the high costs.
In December last year regulars at the saleyards were questioning the progress on the facility’s upgrade as its been nearly three years since funding for the work was received.
In announcing the finalisation of the design plans for the project Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen said “I am proud that the NSW Government has been able to support this project through $6 million in funding from the Restart NSW Resources for Regions Program.”
“The livestock market upgrade will be a huge boost for the Gresford Road site, and increase its capacity to meet demand from the agricultural industry.
Detailed designs were completed in December 2016, and Mr Johnsen said he was looking forward to seeing the project move to the construction phase.
“Singleton Council are doing a fantastic job on the delivery of the project and I look forward to the project continuing to progress, both for the benefit of the buyers and sellers who use the saleyards on a regular basis and the wider community,” Mr Johnsen said.
Numerous works will be undertaken as part of the delivery of the upgrade including:
· the installation of a roof over the selling area
· the upgrade of walkways to improve safety and access
· the refurbishment of the amenities and kiosk area
· upgrades to onsite services such as electrical, hydraulics and fire services
· the installation of rainwater harvest tanks
· an upgrade to the main intersection leading into the facility.
“This investment demonstrates the Nationals in Government are committed to helping to grow the agricultural industry in the Upper Hunter and deliver significant economic benefits to our Singleton community,” Mr Johnsen concluded. Singleton Council are expecting to call for tenders this month.
In other good news for livestock agents and producers Kempsey Shire Council has given Kempsey’s saleyards a vote of confidence with plans to invest in more than a million dollars worth of improvements over the next five years.
“It’s certainly not on our radar at this point of time to see the facility removed from the community,” said Susannah Smith, council’s manager of economic sustainability
However the future of Nabiac Showground’s commercial livestock sales is in doubt following a decision by MicCoast Council to close the facility due to their concerns with the state of the yards. Local landholders have started a petition to have the saleyards reopened.