THREE smaller New South Wales saleyards have completed upgrades worth close to $20 million, following Federal and State Government support for work designed to lift efficiency and safety, and deliver local economic growth.
Yards at Kempsey on the state’s mid-north coast, plus Armidale and Guyra on the New England Tablelands, will benefit from funding support under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, delivered under the Commonwealth and NSW Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Cattle and sheep sales across Armidale and Guyra will benefit from a $9.78 million upgrade transforming the region’s saleyards into modern, efficient and sustainable selling centres, NSW minister for ag and regional affairs, Tara Moriarty said in a statement.
“This project has modernised the ageing selling centres, and improved the operational efficiency, safety for users and onsite sustainability,” Ms Moriarty said.
At the Armidale Saleyards, sustainability has been a key focus, with the installation of a solar energy system, a wastewater reuse network and a new water tank, all designed to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
Additional improvements include the construction of bull selling pens, a dedicated sales platform, new administration and canteen buildings and expanded parking, which all make the facility more accessible and user-friendly.
Guyra Saleyards has also undergone significant redevelopment, the statement said. The sheep selling yards have been completely replaced, cattle yards relocated and upgraded watering systems installed. Road improvements, fencing upgrades and the completion of an effluent pond round out the works.
“Together, these modernised facilities enhance livestock care, improve safety for users and streamline business operations—attracting more buyers and sellers and stimulating the local economy,” the NSW government statement said.
The Armidale and Guyra Livestock selling centres are owned and operated by Armidale Regional Council.
According to MLA’s National Saleyards survey for 2024-25, Armidale ranked 11th largest in NSW for cattle turnover last financial year, accounting for 46,000 head. Guyra did not make the list of 28 yards for cattle, but ranked 11th for sheep with 130,000 head.
The Kempsey yards ranked 13th in NSW for cattle, with 42,000 head for the year.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the redevelopment of Armidale and Guyra yards would provide a big boost to the local economy and help keep these busy saleyards running even more efficiently.
“By partnering on funding, the Albanese and Minns Governments are helping ensure the Armidale region can continue to grow its agricultural economy and recover from the impacts of past floods and other disruptions,” she said.
NSW Agriculture minister Tara Moriarty said the state government supported smart investments that deliver economic development to the agricultural sector and local communities.
“Modernising the saleyards at Armidale and Guyra is delivering long-term benefits for producers, buyers and the wider community,” she said.
“By delivering this infrastructure we’re not only improving day-to-day operations with better efficiency and sustainability but strengthening the backbone of local economies and securing the future of our livestock trade.
“These upgrades reflect our commitment to regional development and animal welfare and will make a real difference for everyone who relies on these facilities.”
“Saleyards are important to local economies and the agricultural industry that plays such a key part of regional and rural communities.
Local Guyra agent and Saleyards Coordinator Sam Sewell, Director of APL Guyra Armidale, said the upgrades had received positive feedback from producers so far.
“It’s great to see producers again wanting to come along on sale days to see their lambs sold, catch up with fellow producers and just experience the atmosphere that has been created by the upgraded establishments,” he said.
“These upgrades firmly position the Armidale region as a key hub in Australia’s livestock industry, laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth and innovation in agricultural trade for years to come.”
Kempsey yards open for business after $9.5m upgrade
Further south, a $9.5 million transformation of the Kempsey Regional Saleyards is building resilience in the NSW Mid-North Coast’s livestock sector, with Ag minister Tara Moriarty opening the newly-upgraded facility this week.
The Kempsey Regional Saleyards redevelopment received $9.421m from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, with Kempsey Shire Council contributing $176,00.
The saleyard generates more than of $30 million in sales annually from cattle sold and the latest facility improvements protected that economic activity into the future. .
The saleyards upgrades have focused on improving operational efficiency, increasing selling capacity and animal welfare.
Major works include a new roof over the yards, soft flooring, a modern sale office and selling arena, additional cattle yards, a scale house, upgraded holding pens, double-storey truck loading ramps and purpose-built S-shaped cattle run. A new kiosk, amenities, viewing grandstand and landscaping will also improve the sales experience for buyers and vendors.
The Kempsey upgrades were put to the test during the May 2025 floods, when the saleyard was a lifesaving refuge and evacuation centre for 1100 head of cattle that could have otherwise perished in the rising waters of the Macleay River.
In the weeks that followed, the facility hosted its largest-ever cattle sale with more than 2800 stock sold as producers recovered from flood impacts.
Kempsey Regional Saleyards is owned by Kempsey Shire Council and leased, maintained and operated by agency Kempsey Stock & Land.
Federal Senator for NSW Tim Ayres said the Kempsey Regional Saleyards had always been a vital part of the local cattle industry and the Kempsey community.
“It’s great to see this important facility receiving the investment it deserves,” he said.
“The upgrades being delivered are not only a recognition of the saleyard’s critical role in the region’s recovery from the floods earlier this year, but also a forward-looking investment in its future resilience. These improvements will boost local jobs, strengthen the region’s economic foundations and will help Kempsey to attract investment into the future.”
Local agent and director of Kempsey Stock and Land, Ian Argue, said the new upgraded facility and improved infrastructure had improved not only the animal welfare, but also the presentation, delivery of the cattle and selling time, which will put more money in producers’ pockets.
“The new facility has been greatly accepted by sellers and buyers alike and all have favourable comments. It is a major asset for the town, bringing big dollars into town and the valley and providing local employment.
“These upgrades are a win for the entire livestock community and represent a major step forward for the region.”
Source: NSW Govt