Major upgrades to the Bega Saleyards announced in February have been applauded during a visit to the area this week by Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack.
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Mr McCormack, the Deputy PM and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, visited Bega and Merimbula on Wednesday, December 18, to acknowledge the work done on several big-ticket infrastructure projects.
The Bega Valley Shire Council received almost $1million in February as part of the federal government's Drought Communities Program, with $790,000 of that slated for improvements to the saleyards.
The upgrade included the installation of rubber matting in the concrete livestock pens, the construction of a permanent open bay shelter over the dirt floor pens and a renewal of the effluent management infrastructure, as well as improvements to the site's amenities and meeting spaces.
The Bega Saleyards support more than 2000 buyers and sellers from across the region every year. These important upgrades will improve the safety, accessibility and functionality of this site supporting the local agricultural community, Mr McCormack said.
Bega Valley Shire Mayor Kristy McBain said the project was developed in consultation with local farming groups and co-operatives, support organisations and major agricultural businesses.
"The challenges and difficulties posed by the drought in an area such as ours, where the agricultural sector represents a large proportion of the workforce, are significant and it's imperative that as a community we do everything we can to support the industry," Cr McBain said.
"The saleyards are a key asset for local farmers to meet and discuss a range of industry trends, issues and opportunities and are also a space for socialisation and peer support in challenging times such as these.
"This upgrade has immensely improved the functionality, accessibility, safety and amenity of the site and I am very much looking forward to seeing the positive flow-on effects of this investment."
Mr McCormack was also scheduled to visit the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre for its new premises' official opening as well as the newly redeveloped Merimbula Airport Terminal building's official opening.