THE push for a roof over selling yards at Bendigo Livestock exchange had a boost this week with Nationals leader David Littleproud’s $3 million election campaign commitment.
Stock agents and City of Greater Bendigo was the upgrade of the region’s major sheep selling centre. More than 65 per cent of stock sold at Bendigo comes from Loddon farms.
“Bendigo is the only major saleyard in regional Victoria operating without a roof.
“The Bendigo Livestock Exchange has a throughput of one million sheep and lambs annually, generating $190 million in livestock sales to the Victorian economy each year,” Mr Littleproud said.
“It contributes an annual output of $26.5 million, supports 86 jobs and has a value add of $13.7 million to the regional economy.  We all know our farmers have extremely high animal welfare standards, so this commitment is important to the Coalition.”
Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney said: “Given the climate in central Victoria, it is desirable to have shelter for the animals in holding facilities,”
“An investment of this scale also presents an opportunity for added sustainability efforts, such as solar power generation and water harvesting.”
Bendigo council is also seeking funding from the State Government in a roof push that goes back more than five years.