The newly-renovated Glen Innes Regional Saleyards were officially opened at the regular Tuesday Sheep Sale.
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While the saleyards have continued to operate throughout the period of renovations, Northern Tablelands MP and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall took the opportunity to officially mark the completion of the upgrade.
"This redevelopment is just one of a number of projects currently underway in this area which I am confident will assist the local economy to rebuild after the prolonged drought, bushfires and COVID-19," Mr Marshall said.
He joined representatives of Glen Innes Severn Council (GISC) to celebrate the official opening of the $1.3 million redevelopment, and conducted the sale of the first pen.
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Last year, Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Mr Marshall announced the Glen Innes Regional Saleyards redevelopment would be the first project funded through the State Government's Drought Stimulus Package, with $1.25 million allocated to the project.
Mr Marshall said just as our nation's economy was built on the sheep's back, now it's Glen Innes' turn to capitalise on record sheep and lamb prices.
"In the first instance, these new steel pens will allow 5000 head to be yarded at any time, increasing the annual throughput by 20 per cent, to 70,000 head," Mr Marshall said.
The updated yards will also be a safer facility for the Glen Innes community to use.
"While the old wooden yards served graziers well over many decades, these new yards, with covered drafting facilities, lighting and water troughs, will better meet the animal welfare standards expected of the industry today," Mr Marshall said.
"The new steel loading ramp has improved access for heavy vehicles to load and unload at the back of the centre.
"In addition to the upgrades made to the saleyards complex the money has been used to significantly improve the canteen and amenities, added an additional toilet block with showers and a designated agents room where business can be conducted.
"As we see the reputation and yardings at Glen Innes grow, more buyers will be attracted to the selling centre creating greater competition and higher prices for farmers," Mr Marshall said.
GISC contributed $50,000 to the cost of the project.
GISC Director of Development, Planning and Regulatory Services Graham Price said this investment showed a commitment to the future of farming in the Glen Innes area.
"Council recognises that while stock selling activity has increasingly moved to online selling platforms, improving the saleyards was an opportunity to encourage growth and private investment in the agriculture sector.
"Agriculture has a GRP of $99 million in our local government area and provides 641 jobs. Maintaining a livestock selling facility is seen as an important step to ensure local landholders maintain their spending patterns in Glen Innes.
"This project alone has assisted our local economy greatly by providing significant work for local contractors and trades, supporting them to sustain business and retain staff during a difficult economic downturn.
"Glen Innes Severn Council and the Glen Innes Associated Agents would like to thank Adam and the Deputy Premier for their support of this major project for our town."