Kempsey Shire Council is continuing to take steps to provide users of the Kempsey Regional Saleyards with a first-class facility following a series of capital improvements.
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Council received funding from the Federal Government's Drought Communities Program to undertake upgrades at the Saleyards. The recent upgrades include new soft flooring and a cattle crush.
Council worked with a group of key stakeholders, who use the Saleyards on a regular basis, to identify priority projects for the yards.
The number one priority for the group was having a high-quality manual crush installed which would allow for multiple operators to safely process and immobilise cattle.
Some minor welding works were also completed to realign the fencing of the chute that feeds the new crush.
Other priority projects included the installation of soft floor matting in the draft area, scales and race to ring areas.
The rubber matting provides a softer underfoot area for cattle, is high grip to prevent slipping and will reduce fatigue in cattle where they may be standing for long periods of time.
Realignment of access ways and gates between pens within the Saleyards was also completed.
Internal fencing to further divide the current holding paddocks, located across the road from the Saleyards, will be completed over the next few weeks, weather permitting.
Progress in long-term lease for Saleyards
Council will proceed with a selective tender process to lease the Saleyards following a decision at the December 2020 council meeting.
Councillors voted to allow three shortlisted applicants from the Expression of Interest process to tender for the lease for the ongoing operation, maintenance and management of the facility over a ten-year period.
The tender process will occur over the following months with the successful tenderer to be decided before the 2020/21 financial year.
