Livestock exchange funding raises elusive roof to reality

THE bustling Bendigo Livestock Exchange (BLE) will finally be able to commence stage one of its new roof project after a $1.7 million commitment from the state government, a figure that is expected to be matched by the City of Greater Bendigo.

The Huntly facility sees about one million sheep pass through its gates every year, generating approximately $190 million in livestock sales annually and supporting over 80 jobs onsite.

Stage one of the build involves constructing a roof over all delivery pens, covering about one-third of the yards.

BLE manager Andrew McCulloch said an overhead structure has been high on the agenda among the saleyards’ key users since 2019.

“We conducted an infrastructure review back then and that identified the number one priority for the wider stakeholders was the roof,” he said.

“That’s a good seven years ago and we’ve been working towards it ever since.

“Now we can start (proceeding) through the next steps of getting things together and hopefully there will be an update in the not-too-distant future around the timeframe for construction.

“We’re certainly looking forward to getting into action as soon as we can.”

McCulloch said the response to the news has been positive from all involved.

“I’m yet to meet anyone out here that hasn’t wanted a roof and hasn’t been really pushing for it,” he said.

“It’s a huge win.”

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the funding recognised the BLE’s critical role in the region’s livestock industry.

“We’re very pleased to secure this investment, which will contribute to improved animal welfare standards and health and safety standards for staff, contractors and visitors,” he said.

“A roof ensures the long-term viability and success of the facility, will help reduce water used to clean the yards and provides future opportunity for added benefits like solar power generation and water harvesting.”

The proposed stages two and three of the project, which are subject to further costings and funding, will eventually involve all holding areas of the facility being brought under shelter.

Ranked as one of Victoria’s top sheep saleyards (alongside Ballarat and Hamilton), the purpose-built complex opened for business in May 1997 to replace the old Charleston Road site, which after 135 years of operation was well past its use-by date.

Huntly was chosen as its location due to its direct access to major freight routes and its relative distance from residential areas.