Construction gets MOOving on multi-million-dollar Saleyards upgrade

Kempsey Shire Council

Demolition woks have begun at the saleyards which marks the start of the multi-million dollar upgrade

The future of the Kempsey Shire livestock market is steering in the right direction as the Kempsey Regional Saleyards infrastructure upgrade kicks off.

Demolition of the old disused and damaged cattle yards is underway at the Kempsey Saleyards, which marks the beginning of a large-scale upgrade project at the complex.

Kempsey Shire Council Director Corporate and Commercial, Stephen Mitchell, said that after years of planning with stakeholders and patience from the Macleay Valley cattle and farming industry, it’s great to see this project kick off.

“The upgrades to the saleyards have been a long time coming for our local industry, who use the facility to buy and sell livestock, which in turn generates income for their families and businesses,” said Mr Mitchell.

“These upgrades will be a gamechanger for livestock producers involved in buying and selling livestock and elevate the saleyards to a facility the shire deserves. The upgrade project will also bolster other agribusiness sectors, providing vital benefits to the entire Kempsey Shire economy.”

The improvements made to the saleyards will include:

  • better facilities for cattle vendors and buyers
  • a yard roof
  • kiosk
  • amenities
  • office
  • paving
  • additional cattle yard
  • seating and
  • landscaping.

In July 2021, Council was successful in its application for a joint state and federal government grant of $6.3 million to upgrade Kempsey Saleyards, under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

Council owns the Kempsey Regional Saleyards, located on Saleyards Road at West Kempsey. Licensed stock and station agents Kempsey Stock & Land currently lease the saleyards and carry out sales and operations at the facility.

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