Maranoa Regional Council has been successful in securing $1.3 million towards the Roma Saleyards Improvement Plan from the State’s 2017–19 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
The funding will see the country’s largest store cattle selling centre receive an upgrade with the construction of new selling pens and drafts on the eastern side of the yards to make way for additional receival/delivery yards on the western side of the yards (adjacent to the unloading/loading ramps).
According to the Council the benefits of these works will include a reduction in unloading and loading times, as well as a reduction in cattle movements to facilitate the seamless processing of cattle through the facility.
Portfolio chair for Roma Saleyards councillor Peter Flynn said with the Roma Saleyards being a major agricultural industry asset for the Maranoa region plus the state, this announcement is very exciting.
“This funding will see the Roma Saleyards’ facility given renovations to improve efficiency in operations, reduced weighing times and improved animal welfare outcomes,” Cr Flynn said.
“Additionally, this capital investment will provide significant economic benefits through increased employment and economic activity for our local business community.
“With the facility’s 50 year celebrations planned for 2019, I am very much looking forward to seeing the works get underway for this project.”
Local government minister Mark Furner said this project would generate employment and boost economic activity for the community, a priority for the Palaszczuk Government.
“Investing in infrastructure is a very practical way to generate confidence in the community making it a better place to live, work and operate a business," Mr Furner said.
“This year, we have given councils two financial years to deliver projects, following feedback from councils around the state.
"This has allowed councils to apply for projects, which will truly have an enduring impact in their communities, such as the Roma Saleyards.
“It has also enabled council to plan their workforce ahead of time, to create local jobs and give the local economy a shot in the arm.”
At this stage, the council said it anticipates the improvement works will commence within the coming months.