Recent drought funding for upgrades at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets will not only ensure the facility remains a competitive facility in the region, but it will also guarantee human and animal welfare is looked after.
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A total of $195,000 in funding from the Drought Communities Program (DCP) will be used by the Dubbo Regional Council for shade sails at the livestock markets.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton made the announcement on Thursday morning, with Dubbo Mayor Ben Shields and saleyard and showgrounds manager Ross McCarthy.
After applications are put through, Mr McCarthy said he hopes the new sails will be up by June 2019.
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The new shade will provide extra coverage to the facility after sails were installed over cattle pens in September 2017.
Mr McCarthy said the shade sails will provide significant animal and human welfare benefits.
"Being under the shade certainly makes a substantial difference…," he said.
Dubbo Mayor Ben Shields welcomed the funding saying it was part of an overall strategy to make sure the livestock at the Saleyards have appropriate shade.
"The DRLM is around about three per cent of the Dubbo economy. It is huge, it is one of the biggest coin generators for our region… we need to make sure this market remains competitive," he said.
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"We need to make sure that this is the number one facility in this part of Australia and with this drought finding we've been able to do that."
Under the drought funding, a further $245,000 will be used by DRC for a public, accessible toilet, changing room and associated infrastructure in Dubbo’s CBD.
Mr Coulton said he was pleased to to deliver projects that will greatly benefit the community, especially given the current challenging dry times.
“The DCP is about stimulating spending and providing long-lasting benefits in the local community, and I look forward to seeing these projects evolve,” he said.