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An expanded roof, a revamp of the unloading ramp area and truck wash modifications form part of the improvements that will see around $2 million spent at the facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generating more than $1.5 billion during the past decade and equipped with the latest technology, the facility underpins Naracoorte\u2019s vibrant economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to being the biggest livestock exchange in SA, it is hailed as one of the nation\u2019s premium selling centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Livestock exchange board chairman Cr Cameron Grundy highlighted the current upgrades at Naracoorte Lucindale Council\u2019s April 26 meeting, which cemented an eight percent increase in yard fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cr Tom Dennis, who works for Elders, declared a conflict of interest, and indicated he would stay for Cr Grundy\u2019s report, but not participate in the voting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cr Grundy explained there was a lot of activity occurring at the saleyards, while the income and expenditure were both slightly behind budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe throughput of cattle and sheep is reduced this financial year so far,\u201d Cr Grundy said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile it has been suggested the stock are still in the paddock, and reduced throughout is based largely on seasonal conditions, it is anticipated that this will largely be caught up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCapital works are in full swing with the D Yard roof frame in place, and possibly some roofing (by) now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow we can begin to grasp how impressive the additions will be once they have been completed, providing an approximate 40 percent increase in the size of the footprint of the cattle yards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe loading ramp and receival pens are also well underway with local engineer Sam Crocker carrying out that part of the task.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cr Grundy highlighted a new cattle crush was purchased at Lucindale’s South East Field Days with both livestock and the handler\u2019s safety and welfare in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding major works at the truck wash, Cr Grundy believed the concrete form work was now finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOnce this project has been completed there will be a significant ongoing savings to the saleyards, particularly from a maintenance perspective,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe truck wash is the biggest in the state and to some degree has become a victim of its own success whereby there has been additional pressure on the entire effluent system, which has also been required to be addressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith all of these improvements coming along in a relatively short space of time, inevitably the question of how these improvements will be funded arises.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cr Grundy said the board had considered yard fees from other saleyard facilities, alternative methods of livestock marketing available to vendors and their associated advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe board believes next year\u2019s yard fee increase of eight percent reconciles the value provided to the sellers of livestock, the buyers of the livestock, the agents and the transporters, with the ongoing requirement of maintaining and improving the saleyard facility in a financially sustainable way,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt this point, we, the board, would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment by our staff, as the current improvements are large and complex in nature and require a great deal of serious focus, which we believe they have delivered in a professional and timely manner.”<\/p>\n\n\n