Work on Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange’s $3.7-million roof has finished on time and within budget.

Member for Mallee Anne Webster and Horsham Rural City Council mayor Robyn Gulline were at the Burnt Creek saleyards last week to mark the official opening.

The roof features a sawtooth modular design that covers a saleyard area of 23,400 square metres.

LED lighting throughout, solar panels and a new rainwater storage system have also been part of the upgrade.

Cr Gulline thanked Dr Webster for the government’s contribution, which helped make the project possible.

She said long-term benefits from the roof included weather protection for livestock, staff, agents and buyers, improved livestock quality and reduced cleaning and maintenance costs.

“The new upgrades ensure the Horsham facility remains a modern and competitive livestock exchange, generating more than $70-million of stock sales annually for the wider Wimmera,” Cr Gulline said.

“Importantly, sales were able to proceed throughout the construction period with minimal disruption to the sale process. This is a testament to the close co-operation between the agents, construction contractor MKM Constructions and council staff.

“’The council is appreciative of the ongoing advice from the exchange board and recognises that this roofing project is the result of its ongoing long-term planning for the site as identified in the 2018 master plan.”

The Horsham council was successful in an application for a $1.49-million grant from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund last year.

The council also allocated $2.02-million for the project in its 2019-20 budget and construction started in December 2019.

The entire December 23, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire December 23, 2020 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!