The hunt for critical saleyards project funding

The Mount Gambier & District Saleyards is one step closer to securing critical Federal Government funding for its Transformation Project through the new Growing Regions Program after an expression of interest submission. As part of a two-stage application process, the District Council of Grant has lodged an expression of interest with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts to assess the projects eligibility and progress to stage two of the application process.

Project design successful tenderers Mossop Construction + Interiors generated a project design concept in collaboration with key stakeholders which was included as supporting documentation, while Mount Gambier & District Saleyards Strategy Committee presiding member Councillor Barry Kuhl said the project was still a vital development for the livestock industry in the South East.

“After significant work over the past two years, council are pleased to have now entered into a competitive grants program,” Cr Kuhl said. “Council remains committed to continuing to best position this project over the course of the grants process in alignment with the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards Masterplan 2018- 2028.”

Following further stakeholder engagement, the Saleyards Transformation Project has been renamed as the ‘Mount Gambier Districts Livestock Exchange 2030 Transformation’. The project still envisages a genuine partnership of Commonwealth, state and local governments which will transform the Saleyards to boost Australian jobs and economy to a $29.7m economic value, fulfilling regional Australia’s potential, and ensure no one is left behind.

The District Council of Grant and key stakeholders continue to work alongside Mossop in anticipation of a successful expression of interest result to prepare for the second stage of the Growing Regions grant application process demonstrating shovel-readiness of the project. Growing Regions Program Round 1 expression of interest applicants are anticipated to be notified of results mid to late October this year.

CHASING FUNDING FOR THE VISION: District Council of Grant chief executive officer Darryl Whicker, saleyards manager David Wallis, Growth and Tourism manager Rebecca Perkin, Mayor Kylie Boston, Mossop Construction + Interiors regional manager Craig Williamson, Saleyards Strategy Committee presiding member Councillor Barry Kuhl, and Combined Agents representative Ben Jones.