RELATED COVERAGE:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
NEW work at the Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre has been in clear view for quite some time.
And now the first stage of the $3 million expansion plans is starting to get some use and will help to sure up what is known as the calf or store sales at the market.
Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre general manager Paul Martin showed The Rural through the new under-cover facility.
The state-of-the-art design will allow vendor and buyers to make use of modern new facilities. It also complements the ring-selling system which Wagga is renowned for and will help with overall flow on sale days.
Mr Martin said there were 88 new pens which were all under cover and the latest in soft flooring had been embraced.
“We are incredibly happy with what the design and construction team has come up with, ProWay (of Wagga) are leaders in the field,” he said.
The new development has walkways or catwalks for the buyers and auctioneers and it also provides a bird’s-eye view of the action below.
“There are also lanes between each row of pens for the stock to easily move through the facility,” Mr Martin said.
And while it’s early days yet in terms of use he said the feedback was positive.
“Our larger cattle yards increase the holding capacity from a nominal 2700 cattle to 5500, which addresses both a current capacity shortfall and creates the foundation for future projected growth,” Mr Martin said.
“The expansion upgrades are part of the centre’s Strategic Master Plan, which helps to support growth of the facility and ensures the centre retains its status as a premier selling centre in south-eastern Australia.”
The next stage of the upgrade includes construction of an elevated pedestrian walkway built above the cattle yards, improving public safety to the cattle selling ring, canteen area and amenities.
A new internal road for improved traffic flow and safety has also been constructed at the eastern end of the facility.
The expansion works are due for completion in November.
Rural journalist with Fairfax media based in the Riverina.
Rural journalist with Fairfax media based in the Riverina.
