The multi-million dollar development project at the Roma Saleyards got one step closer to breaking ground, with the official turning of the sod on Tuesday.
Senator James McGrath joined Maranoa Regional Councillors and the Member for Warrego, Ann Leahy, for the official proceedings, congratulating the councillors and those involved in the facility for pushing so hard to get the State and Federal Governments involved.
“One of my favourite sayings in politics is a squeaky door gets oil, and there has been a lot of squeaking coming out of Roma to make sure the Federal Government puts money into this facility,” he said.
“What we're trying to do here is that the Federal Government, the State Government and the council, three levels of government, work together to bring these saleyards into the 21st century to make sure it’s easier to buy and sell, and it’s also easier to connect those who don't understand the land...through the visitors interpretive centre.”
Maranoa Regional Councillor, Peter Flynn, Portfolio Chair for the Roma Saleyards, highlighted the contribution of the saleyards to the local economy, and thanked the Federal Government for supporting the project.
“305,000 head of cattle went through the yards last year, and that put $280 million dollars into our economy for the 2017/18 financial year,” he said.
“The project that we're talking about today was first investigated by the former Roma Bungil Showgrounds and Saleyards board in 2003, when an initial study was undertaken on the merit of constructing a beef interpretive centre.
“At that time, the study confirmed that the construction had the potential to serve a range of community uses, integrate with a range of other tourist initiatives, and enhance the attractiveness of the saleyards and possibly increase its usage.”
In 2017, council undertook extensive community consultation inviting comment on the plans for the proposed multipurpose facility, and tenders for the project have since closed with one local business submitting a tender.
The multipurpose facility will include an interpretive centre to provide saleyard visitors with a unique experience while learning about the cattle and agriculture industry along with the history of the saleyards; a new bull selling arena which will allow for approximately 225 seats and will be fitted out with advanced technology; as well as upgraded parking, decking and ramps, and landscaping and sewerage.
The Federal Government pledged $3.96 million to the project, while the Queensland Government, under the Building our Regions development program provided $3.69 million in funding.
