Costings will be sought on two options for realigning loading ramps at the Tenterfield Saleyards, in an ongoing effort to improve safety at the facility.
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That project is the latest in an upgrade plan following a review back in 2013. Since then catwalks have been upgraded and crushes replaced, as have rails in sections of the selling pens. This has come at a cost to those using the yards, with a producer levy of $2.81 per head imposed to underpin the ongoing viability of the yards.
It’s money well spent, according to mayor Peter Petty, who also chairs the Saleyards Committee.
“The saleyards had more than $16 million throughput last financial year, and that was in a tough year before cattle prices improved,” he said.
“We’re ranked at 27 out of 50 saleyards in the state, based on throughput, so we’re about mid-field. It’s an important asset for the town.”
Mr Petty said buyers and sellers come from far and wide and many would spend money in town during their visit. He said the three local stock agents (Harold Curry’s, Ray White Livestock and Alford and Duff) do an outstanding job, particularly in building up the weaner sales which are forging an enviable reputation thanks to the high standard of stock offered.
The long term goals in the original plan for the saleyards included realigning loading ramps 4 and 5, sealing the ramp approaches and installing a double-height ramp in either position.
Work on that aspect is now next on the agenda, according to Mr Petty, with a delegation from the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association meeting with saleyard committee members on April 18 to offer their advice.
The meeting was deemed very fruitful, although whether council will be able to follow the association’s recommendations will depend on the costings.
“It’s an OH&S (occupational health and safety) issue,” Mr Petty said.
“We have to separate livestock loading from other traffic.”
Councillor Petty said meetings would be arranged with federal MP Barnaby Joyce seeking funding once the costings are finalised.
In the meantime other avenues to improve safety will be pursued, including a review of signage to separate heavy vehicle movement from that of visitors’ private vehicles and pedestrian traffic. Advice will also be sought from the Transport Association on the best safety options for loading and unloading stock.
Longer term plans include new agents’ offices and showers and toilets, in addition to the ramp upgrades.
