The Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets, which generate $75 million a year to the local economy, has undegone a $6.6 million expansion and upgrade.
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The official opening of the upgrade was held on Friday, with Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, Dubbo Regional Council administrator Michael Kneipp and stock and station agents in attendance.
The works were made possible by a $3.29 million contribution from the government’s National Stronger Fund, which was matched dollar for dollar by the DRC.
The upgrades and expansions included the construction of a second weigh-bridge, 140 selling pens, four double-deck ramps and the reconfiguration of at least two express lanes. Thirteen air-operated drafting gates and at least one ratchet rotary force yard was installed, along with 32 additional receiving pens with buyers’ and auctioneers’ walkways.
More than 30 jobs were created during the construction phase, with 22 ongoing jobs as a result of the upgrade – this is in addition to the 245 fulltime equivalent jobs at the Dubbo saleyards.
DRC administrator Michael Kneipp said the DRLM was important to Dubbo’s economy.
“It’s been estimated the Dubbo saleyards bring in $75 million a year to the Dubbo economy, which includes fuel, accommodation, people shopping where they’re here, so it’s a really vitals part of the economy,” he said.
Dubbo Stock and Station Agents Association president Matt Webber said the upgrades will help maintain Dubbo’s number one cattle selling position in New South Wales and its ranking of number one in combined species sales within Australia.
“The new developments are second to none and have made it a lot safer for agents to work in,” he said.
Mr Coulton said the flow on-effects of the expansion and upgrades will be positive for the community and the entire central west for many years to come.
Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets Manager, Ross McCarthy, said the DRLM are the jewel and economic crown of the region.
“These upgrades will better manage cattle sales at New South Wale’s number one saleyard, being Dubbo, in terms of cattle,” Mr McCarthy said.