THE opening of the Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange (TRLX) has demonstrated the future success of the facility for the region with a yarding of 4675 head of cattle for the first sale.
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The $17 million facility opened with plenty of fanfare and the attendance of many dignitaries from government and investors.
Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson said there was still plenty of confidence in the beef industry and it was “fantastic” to have investments like this in Tamworth, but would welcome more.
“One of the good things about these types of yards is that they’re better for animals’ welfare, with less bruising, which is also good for purchasers and the abattoir,” she said.
Meat and Livestock Australia chairman Rob Anderson also touted the benefits of the new facility including the soft flooring and yard design, which made for safe and efficient stock handling.
“There is a growing community interest in welfare and it’s pleasing to see this complex is a positive reflection of the industry,” he said.
Mrs Hodgkinson said the new facility was also better for occupational health and safety and the safety of patrons and better visibility throughout the complex through the use of skylights.
She congratulated Palisade Investment Partners for having the vision to undertake this investment and having the faith in agricultural enterprise.
“Without fund managers like Palisade, we wouldn’t have wonderful complexes like this around the state,” she said.
“It would be of benefit to regional NSW if more fund managers did their homework and saw agriculture in a positive light and chose to invest in a similar way to Palisade.”
Mrs Hodgkinson said there was “very good yarding here” for the opening sale and she was pleased the sale of the first steer would go to help Ronald McDonald House, Tamworth.
She said there was another centre like this in Inverell and another being built in Victoria, so people were still investing in agricultural infrastructure, but more investment would be beneficial.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said Tamworth’s complex would serve the whole New England North West.
“The record yarding goes to show how popular the facility will be,” he said.
Palisade’s Regional Infrastructure Fund chairman Mark Vaile said the facility was a long time in the making and was “almost entirely funded by Australian superannuation funds” and manufactured in Warwick.
The next sale will be on Monday at 8am for prime cattle and sheep and lambs at 1pm.