Corowa based firm Focus Engineering was awarded the tender for $431,926 for the upgrade, by Federation Council at its monthly meeting on January 28.
Project upgrades for the saleyards which have the fourth highest throughput of sheep in NSW include:
Construct and install auctioneers walkways overhead and independent of existing selling pens
Construct and install 29 new selling pens.
The Corowa Saleyards is owned and managed by Federation Council and has been operating for more than 60 years. The facility is well respected and utilised by industry professionals across several states throughout Australia.
Council programs major maintenance to the saleyards, once every five years and tender works awarded were identified for the 2019/2020 financial year and will ensure improved compliance with Work, Health and Safety requirements, animal welfare and increase holding capacity.
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said the saleyard facility has experienced consistent market growth over the last 20 years, at a time when the industry has faced a number of challenges including the impact of long-term drought.
“Recent upgrades to the facility, access and transport linkage improvements and strong management has ensured the Corowa Saleyards is one of the most highly regarded and utilised livestock facilities in the state,” Mayor Bourke said.
“Currently, the Corowa Saleyards is recognised as one of the four largest saleyard facilities in New South Wales and in order to future proof the operation, appropriate innovative planning in and around sustainability and growth must be pertinent to any future strategic decisions.
“Council looks forward with anticipation to witnessing this upgrade and further strategic upgrades planned for the site come to fruition.”