Injection of Funds for Singleton Saleyards
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce was in Singleton on Wednesday to announce $2.7 million to upgrade the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange to support the Hunter’s thriving beef industry.
The upgrade will expand holding yards and feeding areas for cattle, make it easier to load and unload cattle, provide new carpark facilities, improve gates and flooring, and increase water storage capabilities.
“The Hunter is an important area for beef production and investing in the infrastructure we need to maximise efficiencies will put more food on the table for Australians as well as bringing in export dollars,” Mr Joyce said.
“The beef industry is very important to supporting employment in the Hunter and this funding will enable the Hunter saleyards to operate at a higher capacity to support the agriculture industry and create jobs in the region.”
Only two weeks ago, Federal Nationals candidate James Thomson was visiting a Scotts Flat farm to announce $1m in funding to improve the dairy industry’s data base giving producers a greater knowledge of the market.
He was on hand to hear Wednesday’s announcement and said it was all about strengthening agriculture in the Hunter, supporting local jobs and businesses and backing the families who work hard to feed our nation.
Mayor Sue Moore said agriculture has and always will play a significant role in the economy and social fabric of Singleton.
“Amongst other things, this project will allow us to grow the capacity of the saleyards, increase returns for local stakeholders and improve animal welfare,” she added.
“We look forward to working with the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange group to deliver the project.”