THE Hunter Valley’s Singleton livestock selling complex has moved a step closer to its proposed $6 million upgrade, with the awarding of tenders for the construction phase last week.

Singleton saleyards will get a $6 million makeover, starting next month

Work on the Singleton Regional Livestock Market upgrade is now expected to commence in early May, under the management of project design and construction engineers, Wiley.

The $6 million funding for the project was provided by the NSW Government under the Restart NSW Resources for Regions program, which aims to support regional communities that are related to mining and agriculture, with Singleton Council contributing another $1.73m to the project.

The project includes a range of works including:

• installation of a roof over the complex’s northern yards selling area
• improvements to the cattle forcing yard prior to scales and installation of guillotine lifting gates
• removal of an existing round concrete selling area and installation of new pens,
• installation of soft floor with rubber
• upgrading walkways and staircases to comply with structural standards
• updating on-site services and amenities such as electrical, hydraulics and fire services
• effluent recycling system upgrade in order to fully comply with the EPA requirement,
• parking area upgrade, and
• upgrading the intersection leading to the Gresford Road facility.

“This project will provide a huge lift to the Singleton community and local agricultural industry,” local member for the Seat of Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen said during last week’s announcement.

“At the end of this process, we will have a real state-of-the-art venue, with huge improvements in animal welfare standards, work health and safety, disability access and saleyard facilities,” Mr Johnsen said.

“Beef production is big business in Singleton for both local famers and suppliers, and the wider NSW economy,” Mr Johnsen said. “This upgrade will allow the Singleton Regional Livestock Market to meet the current demands of local beef producers and provide the infrastructure for the growth of this vital industry.”

Singleton Council’s director corporate and community, Anthony Egan said with designs complete and a contractor engaged, the yards could now move into the construction phase to start making the plans a reality.

“We intend that regular weekly sales will continue while the works are undertaken, and appreciate the patience and support of agents and other users of the saleyards at this time,” he said.

Wiley managing director, Tom Wiley said Wiley would be working collaboratively with the council to ensure the impact on the operations at the saleyards was minimised during construction.

He said his company was looking forward to the construction phase and working closely with local stakeholders to secure the future of the local agricultural community.

Singleton holds a weekly sale each Wednesday, and special monthly store sales on Saturdays.

The yards average of 60 sales each year, and have produced annual throughput averaging 56,717 head over the past ten years.