Gunnedah Saleyards $17.5 million overhaul given tick of approval by Joint Regional Planning Panel

Gunnedah Shire Council (GSC) lodged the application in March, detailing a wide range of upgrades including the construction of a multi-purpose administration building and cafe.

Roof structures will be built over the existing yard and pens, and a new feed store and workshop shed will be constructed.

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The upgrades will include a new drive-through truck wash capable of accommodating road trains; bitumen sealing of internal roads and internal lighting upgrades; a new car park and numerous improvements to technology including high speed WiFi installation.

Council's general manager Eric Groth said the project will build on Gunnedah's strengths in agriculture and allow the region to grow its already successful beef base and access new online markets.

"From its beginnings in 1919, the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards has grown to become the fourth largest selling centre of cattle in NSW, and the eighth largest in Australia," he said. "With the redeveloped Gunnedah Saleyards facility, we will be at the forefront of technology and ready for the opportunities of the future."

The saleyards already see 120,000 head of cattle move through each year, representing over $100 million in sales.

The precinct upgrade received $14 million in funding from the NSW Government in September 2020, and has been supported by a Gunnedah Shire Council co-contribution of $3.56 million. The project is due to be completed in 2022.

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