Funding for cattle saleyards in Gt Southern region

5/5/99
The Great Southern region is set to benefit from a state-of-the-art cattle saleyards with financial support worth up to $656,403 from the Western Australian Coalition Government, Primary Industry Minister and acting Regional Development Minister Monty House said today.
"The $4.6 million facility to be built adjoining the Yerriminup North Industrial Park in the Shire of Plantagenet would replace existing yards in the Shire of Plantagenet and the City of Albany, both of which were in need of overhaul or replacement," Mr House said.
"The saleyards are expected to handle at least 70,000 head of cattle each year.
"There is strong demand from both cattle producers and livestock agents for more efficient, animal friendly yards."
Mr House said that both local governments supported the project which would fund its operations through levies on buyers and sellers, already agreed to by the industry.
"In addition the yards will generate business in the region worth almost $2 million in the next five years," he said.
The State Government funding includes an interest-free loan to help fund services to the yards including power, telecommunications and water/sewerage connections. The loan, through the Department of Commerce and Trade's Regional Headworks Development Scheme, may convert to a grant after five years if all conditions are met.
Mr House said the services provided to the cattle yard complex would also be available to attract new industry to the region to locate at the Yerriminup North Industrial Park.
Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044