Makeover milestone

Saleyards project now waiting on Federal funding

The Mount Gambier Districts Livestock Exchange 2030 Transformation has reached another key milestone with Mossop Construction + Interiors completing 80 per cent of the project design, while the District Council of Grant awaits Federal funding outcomes.

Mossop Construction + Interiors were awarded with the Transformation Project design only tender in March this year and have been working in collaboration with Council and other key stakeholders, including the Mount Gambier Combined Agents and Saleyards Strategy Committee, to produce the design.

District Council of Grant chief executive officer Darryl Whicker said the progression of the concept design allows the District Council of Grant to position a strong advocacy and hopefully to support a future stage two application demonstrating the projects shovel-readiness.

“This key milestone provides greater certainty of project costs and working alongside Mossop has provided confidence that a fit for purpose solution has been created with genuine stakeholder engagement,” Mr Whicker said.

“Council looks forward to receiving communication about the outcome of our Growing Regions Program Round 1 expression of interest application.”

Mossop Construction + Interiors business development manager Aaron Mossop agreed it was important to remain working in collaboration to ensure a suitable design is created.

“Mossop welcomes the opportunity to continue to work with Council through the initial design development phase, including reaching this key milestone, for this important infrastructure upgrade at the Mount Gambier & District Saleyards,” Mr Mossop said.

“We look forward to seeing construction progress and activities commencing shortly including finalisation of the grant funding for the balance of the project.”

The concept design features a range of elements to assist with increasing better animal welfare outcomes, including:

• Soft-fall matting;
• Holding pen reconfigurations;
• Cattle yard roofing;
• Sprinkler systems; and
• Rainwater harvesting

Mount Gambier & District Saleyards Strategy Committee presiding member Councillor Barry Kuhl reaffirmed that the project is a critical piece to the region’s agricultural landscape.

“The saleyards are an excellent example of how council infrastructure provides an essential service to our local community but without upgraded assets in place, such a service cannot be delivered,” Cr Kuhl said.

“Council remains committed to best present the Transformation Project for grant funding with partnerships between Federal, State and local governments to assist increasing the South East’s economy.”

In conjunction with reaching this key design milestone, a cattle pen prototype is currently being constructed at the Mount Gambier & District Saleyards replicating one of the Transformation Projects proposed configurations.

Growing Regions Program Round 1 expression of interest applicants are anticipated to be notified of outcomes in the coming weeks.

SHARING THE VISION: Mount Gambier Districts Livestock Exchange 2030 Transformation project meeting involving Mossop Construction + Interiors representatives, Mount Gambier Combined Agent representative, District Council of Grant staff members, Mayor Kylie Boston and Mount Gambier & District Saleyards Strategy Committee presiding member Councillor Barry Kuhl.