The first sale at the new Katanning Regional Sheep Saleyards has been held today, coinciding with the official opening by Premier Colin Barnett.
Mr Barnett was joined by Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston to open the fit-for-purpose saleyard, funded in bulk by the State Government, with contributions from the Federal Government and the Shire of Katanning.
"The State Government put $17million into this facility, firming our commitment to the future growth of the livestock industry, a sector that delivers real export dollars into Western Australia," the Premier said.
""The new saleyard is enormous, with 44,000sqm under roof - the largest under cover sheep market in the southern hemisphere.
"This improved facility replaces Katanning's outdated saleyards, giving sheep producers in the Great Southern access to state-of-the-art facilities.
"I am very pleased to be here for the opening and congratulate the shire for their work in overseeing the project."
Mr Baston said the saleyards could see the sale of 45,000 sheep in any one sale day. They expected to handle more than one million sheep each year.
"Sheep meat, live exports and wool production was worth $855million to the State in 2012-13 and all our wool and 75 per cent of the sheep meat products went to export," he said.
"Western Australia's sheep numbers have declined in recent years and it's important that this trend is reversed because there is now increasing demand for our products coming from Asia.
"This saleyard meets industry needs for animal welfare, environmental management and occupational health and safety, all of which are important for the sector's success."
The Federal Government contributed $7.42million to the project through the Regional Development Australia Fund for enhanced environmental outcomes and community benefits.
Today's event marks the completion of the State Government's $72million Regional Livestock Saleyard Strategy which included the new Muchea Livestock Centre completed in 2010 at a cost of $54million.
Fact File
The Katanning saleyards will deliver best practice occupational health and safety and animal welfare
The facility will feature superior environmental performance with a focus on effluent management, odour control and water and power conservation efficiency
The saleyards house a total 1,276 pens, including 1,012 selling pens under a 44,000sqm roof
For every 10mm of rain, a million litres of water will be captured from the roof of the saleyard and will be pumped into a town lake
The Shire of Katanning was responsible for planning and building the saleyards and will own and operate them
This project has already delivered benefits to the community - four tenders for concrete, steel and piping were awarded to businesses in the Great Southern region
The project has also forged links with the high school and TAFE to create opportunities for traineeships and apprenticeships
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Agriculture and Food Minister's office - 6552 5400
