The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) welcomes yesterday’s announcement of a $21.5million investment by the State Government into Western Australia’s regional saleyards, an outcome WAFarmers has worked tirelessly to achieve.
WA Premier, Colin Barnett, and the Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Hon. Terry Redman, today confirmed the investment of $17million towards the construction of new sheep saleyards at Katanning, $2.3million to the Shire of Plantagenet to clear debt from cattle saleyards at Mt Barker and to contribute to the yard’s future, and $2.2million to kick-start a replacement for the Boyanup cattle facilities.
WAFarmers Meat Section President, Jeff Murray, noted that the Barnett Government went to the last election promising to progress the WA Saleyard Strategy, which has already resulted in the opening of the $54million Muchea Livestock Centre earlier this year.
“WAFarmers worked hard to lobby for these positive outcomes, which will deliver a much-needed boost to the State’s saleyard facilities,” said Mr Murray.
“The State Government’s new commitment of $21.5million will enable the livestock industry to continue working towards further improving animal welfare and worker safety.
“Especially in light of the current drought, WAFarmers is calling upon the State and Local Governments to ensure that local businesses and contractors are used in the construction of these new facilities.”
WAFarmers research, conducted in early 2010, showed that private saleyard fees are almost 30 per cent more expensive than Shire/public saleyards.
“WAFarmers has long lobbied for the State’s regional saleyards to be wholly owned and operated within WA, and the State Government should be commended for helping to achieve this.”
“However, the amount of funding contributed towards the Boyanup cattle facilities seems to be significantly less than needed, and further consultation with industry is required, given that this facility is likely to be operated by the private sector.
“WAFarmers welcomes the funding commitment towards WA’s regional saleyards, and looks forward to working further with the State Government to achieve the best outcomes for the agricultural industry,” concluded Mr Murray.
