The $11.6 million upgrade of the Corowa Saleyards, one of NSW's largest sheep markets, has today been offically opened by NSW Minister Tara Moriarty.
The NSW Government is prioritising the resilience of our agricultural industry, and this upgrade will ensure the saleyard continues to play a critical role in supporting the industry and local communities across the Riverina.
About 600,000 head of sheep pass through the saleyards annually, generating average sales of more than $81 million.
The upgrade has been jointly funded by the NSW Government ($10.1 million) and the Federation Council ($1.5 million). It will provide a safer, more efficient, and more attractive facility for livestock buyers, sellers and the general public.
The government's upgrade project to the 60 year old saleyards include:
- multi-purpose learning centre and administrative building for localising skill pathways
new roof, which will better protect stock, staff and visitors from extreme weather conditions
- water catchment system and upgraded lighting system
- truck wash to provide improved biosecurity protections.
The upgrades will draw additional traders and visitors into Corowa and surrounding centres, spending money in local stores and providing downstream benefits for businesses and suppliers.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"Corowa Saleyards is already one of the biggest saleyards in NSW, and the government's funded expansion will ensure it goes from strength-to-strength.
"It's important to have major hubs like this facility in our regions because they futureproof our agricultural sector, support local economies and create opportunities for training and work.
"The flow-on impacts from the upgrades benefit sheep and lamb producers, as well as the transport and logistics and the education and training sectors."
Federation Council Mayor Patrick Bourke said:
"The Corowa Saleyards redevelopment project has been a significant project for council to deliver and has resulted in our overall masterplan for the site coming to fruition."
"This project has a strong focus on animal welfare, environmental responsibility, growth, and safety, and upon delivery will allow further future opportunities for the Corowa Saleyards to be unlocked in a holistic and strategic manner.
"This delivery of the new Corowa Saleyards precinct will not only improve the Saleyards facility moving forward but will go a long way in supporting the resilience of our local economy and wider agricultural trading market."
