Murwillumbah’s cattle saleyards renewed by $120,000 upgrade

29 October 2019

Cattle livestock is the second largest contributor to Tweed’s agricultural industry

As part of Council’s ongoing investment in infrastructure to support economic growth, a $120,000 upgrade has been completed at the Murwillumbah Saleyards.

Before the upgrade, the yard’s roof has rusted through, the old wooden grandstand was rotting and the yards were at risk of shutting down.

Now a new roof with thermal insulation and additional cross bracing has been erected and a galvanised steel structure stands in the place of the rotting grandstand.

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, joined the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Council staff and saleyards users for a breakfast hosted by Murwillumbah Lions followed by a tour of the improved facility yesterday morning, just before the busy Fat Cattle sales began.

“I like to see saleyards stay in public hands and I’m delighted Tweed Shire Council has actively done that,” Ms Saffin said.

Mayor of Tweed, Councillor Katie Milne said Council was a longstanding supporter of rural industries in the Tweed.

“Rural industries contribute $165 million to our local economy and are a strong local employer, with 96 per cent of employment in the industry made up of Tweed locals,” Councillor Milne said.

“The work we’ve done here at the saleyards is vitally important as cattle is the second largest contributor to the agricultural sector in the Tweed, second only to sugarcane.

“Without a local saleyard, the animals would have to be transported much further distances so our facility assists our farmers and reduces some of the stress for the cattle,” she said.

The Murwillumbah Saleyards have been leased long term to George and Furmann Real Estate. While Council has funded the upgrade upfront, the money will be paid back by the lessee over time. Sales are held on Mondays each fortnight, with typically sales ranging from 200 – 600 head.

If you are considering opening a new agricultural business or expanding an existing business, talk to Council’s Economic Development team on (02) 6670 2400.

For more information on doing business in the Tweed, visit https://business.thetweed.com.au/

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Photo 1(JPG, 196KB)

Caption: Inspecting the $120,000 upgrade to the Murwillumbah Saleyards were (from left) Acting Manager Land & Economic Development Ray Musgrave, Mayor of Tweed Councillor Katie Milne, Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green, Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, George & Furmann’s Darren Perkins and Deputy Mayor of Tweed, Councillor Chris Cherry.

Photo 2(JPG, 147KB)

Caption: The impressive new roof and upgraded grandstands at the Murwillumbah Saleyards.