The Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets (DRLM) is one of the largest selling centres in Australia in terms of combined sheep and cattle numbers, providing an estimated total contribution of $75.6 million to the local region's economy, and supporting 320 full-time equivalent jobs across many businesses and industries.
While it's been a difficult year with COVID-19, Dubbo Regional Council has invested in the facility, including the installation of shade sails to make the centre more comfortable for livestock and people working there.
More than $14 million has been spent on the DRLM over the past five years, with upgrades including the expansion of the sheep selling facilities, along with expansion of the cattle yards to include an additional weighbridge, an additional 126 selling pens, and upgrade of pre-sale drafting yards and crush.
These upgrades have been developed in partnership with other levels of government including the funding from the Australian Government's National Strong Region fund, matched dollar-for-dollar with contributions council.
In order to meet the ever-changing guidelines imposed by state and federal governments as a result of COVID-19, DRC had to make some difficult decisions to close some of its own businesses; however, with additional safety measures like health declaration forms and registration of buyers, the DRLM was able to continue operating.
One of the centre's bigger projects this year was its new truck wash, which was jointly funded by Restart NSW and Dubbo Regional Council, with the council contributing $780,000 for the $1.6 million project.
The truck wash has been put to good use, with 2349 truck washes.
While it's been a difficult year, DRLM has still managed to host 155,770 cattle, 802,000 sheep, and 3887 goats last financial year.
June 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the first sale at DRLM, which facility continues to operate a prime selling facility that caters for producers coming from all over the country.