OPEN DAY SUCCESS: Managing director of regional infrastructure Garry Edwards conducted tours of the new Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange saleyards over the weekend. Photo: Barry Smith 030213BSE04
LIVESTOCK industry heavy- weights had the opportunity of a first look at the new Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange (TRLX) saleyards over the weekend.
An open day was held, ahead of the facility’s official opening in June, to give the region’s producers some idea of what to expect when they move to the new site for sales.
More than 200 people attended the day, something managing director of regional infrastructure, Garry Edwards was pleased with.
“It was more than we thought, which is great because it showed just how much interest there is in the site,” he said.
Among those that attended were people who travelled a number of hours to view the new facilities.
“The interest has been from producers region-wide and that was shown by the different people who came along,” Mr Edwards said.
Many of the questions fielded on the day centred around the new complex’s functionality and
operational logistics.
“The new yards are different so the majority of the questions were focused on how things will work when we open officially in the
middle of the year,” he said.
The $17 million, 39-hectare site includes separate sheep and cattle selling yards; 296 selling pens, including 44 bull pens; a stud selling area and under cover buyer/ public laneways.
The new facility also includes a number of additions for administration purposes including eight agent offices, a conference room, buyers lounge, an 80-seat cafeteria and toilet and shower amenities.
State-of-the-art measures have also been part of the build.
Mr Edwards said the new site included a number of “comfort conditions” for operators, buyers and the animals.
“Things like undercover receival/selling areas and soft flooring throughout the cattle pavilion,” he said.
“Non-bruise panelling and soft flooring throughout to minimise stress, reduce shrinkage and improve meat quality and raised buyer viewing walkways offer clear sight of livestock.”
The new saleyards are owned by by the Regional Livestock Exchange lnvestment Company as part of the Palisade Regional lnfrastructure Fund and are operated by Regional Infrastructure Pty Ltd.
Mr Edwards said plans for the official opening of the complex were already underway and were likely to coincide with a mid-year sale date which will be publicly announced in the near future.