By Lucy Waldron
The Warwick Saleyards redevelopment project is making significant strides and is on track for completion by mid-year, pending ongoing weather conditions.
Stages one and two of the redevelopment started in December 2023 and have included the substantial completion of 120 new selling pens, the future roof posts erected and work commencing on the new catwalks, loading ramps and processing areas.
The Southern Downs Regional Council CEO Dave Burges said the saleyards were continuing to move through the redevelopment with relative ease.
“We are extremely happy with the progress of the redevelopment considering the weather and the market conditions,” Mr Burges said.
“Whilst we have continued to support our key stakeholders with design changes along the way to upgrade and modernise the facility, Council has been able to maintain our objective of finishing the redevelopment by mid-year.”
Upgrades include 120 new selling pens, 35 new holding yards, five new loading ramps, new catwalks, two new processing areas and upgraded lighting and electrical work.
“The redevelopment will be an important upgrade to the Warwick Saleyards, substantially improving workplace health and safety and animal welfare, as well as increasing capacity to accommodate a large growth in sale numbers,” Mr Burges said.
“The redevelopment underpins council’s full commitment to safety and animal welfare as well as being a key piece of infrastructure to bolster the region’s $720M agricultural industry.
“The increase in pen numbers will ensure that the Warwick Saleyards can accommodate new buyers, sellers and increased head numbers,” he said.
The Warwick Saleyards Redevelopment Project is co-funded by the Federal Government through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant Program and Council. Further stages of the redevelopment remain subject to future funding.
