The sheep yard expansion at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets was officially opened on Wednesday, with the upgraded facilities catering for an additional 9000 head in selling pens.
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Features of the $4.1 million upgrade include new drafts, delivery pens, six additional loading ramps, new security cameras, floodlighting, water in every yard and new tree plantings for shade.
Officially opened by Dubbo Mayor Mathew Dickerson, the additional yards increase the number of sheep that can be sold from the expansion to about 30,000.
He said the upgrades would help secure the future of Dubbo as one of the nation's major regional livestock selling centres.
"In the 2013-14 financial year, 1,588,704 sheep were sold, ranking Dubbo third in NSW for sheep sales.
"An economic impact analysis for 2013-14 showed the economic contribution of the DRLM to the gross regional product of the region was $75.6 million."
Dubbo City Council director corporate development Ken Rogers said the design and construction were done in consultation with the Dubbo Stock and Station Agents Association to ensure the facilities met the needs of buyers and producers.
"All parties are already very happy with the result and the improvements that have been made," Mr Rogers said.
Councillors, council staff, Dubbo Stock and Station Association members and contractors were present to witness the opening of the newly redeveloped and upgraded DRLM facilities.
