Armidale and Guyra saleyards are due to receive major multi-million dollar upgrades which will result in more modern livestock yards, improved truck driver and agent facilities and better water security at both locations.
Armidale Regional Council (ARC) secured funding of over $9.7 million from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. The official sod turning on the project took place at the Guyra Saleyards on 6 August 2024.
"This project, while providing a much-needed upgrade for the yards, will have significant economic benefits to our region. Agriculture has been clearly identified as the third biggest industry in our region," said ARC Mayor Sam Coupland.
"The upgrade will replace and extend key infrastructure and amenities at each location and in turn support the recovery of the key agricultural sector in our region.
"Not only will this vital work help boost our local economy and create industry opportunities, it also highlights Council's efforts to minimise environmental impact and promote sustainability."
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister said that the investment into sustainable infrastructure is essential to support the agricultural needs of the region.
"This project will have a significant impact on the production and development capabilities of the Guyra and Armidale saleyards which allows the industry to operate smoothly, increasing the quality of their agricultural facilities," Minister McAllister said.
Member for New England, the Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP gathered with Mayor Coupland and others in Guyra today to celebrate the commencement of the project.
"I am pleased to see the continuation of works to complete the upgrade of the Armidale and Guyra Livestock Selling Centre," said Mr Joyce.
"The upgrades commenced in 2020 under the previous Coalition Government's Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Grants, and today I welcome the announcement of the final stages of the works."
The works will include:
- Improving truck driver and agent facilities at Guyra and Armidale saleyards
- Upgrading effluent containment in Guyra
- Modernising the yards to enable improved livestock movements through the facilities
- Improving drainage and constructing new entry roads to separate trucks and cars.
Work at the Guyra Saleyards will include demolition, removal and waste disposal of timber sheep yards, staged construction of steel sheep yards, upgrading stock watering system in sequence with yard construction, road upgrade around the yards and relocating cattle yards.
Work on the Armidale Saleyards will include the demolition of the sheep yards, new bull pens and sales platform, new water tank, upgraded vehicle parking and upgrades to the truck wash amenities and canteen.
Shay Brennan Constructions Pty Ltd has been successful through the tender process to complete the works to both Guyra and Armidale Saleyards.
Photographed: Dane O'Connor (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), Stuart Lane (NSW Public Works), Cr Steven Mepham (Armidale Regional Council), Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP, Sam Sewell (Armidale Livestock Selling Association), Mayor Sam Coupland (Armidale Regional Council), Cr Jon Galletly (Armidale Regional Council), James Vaclavik (Shay Brennan Constructions)
