Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX), has seen another outstanding year of sales, with redevelopment continuing throughout the year and increasing the ease of use for producers, vendors, agents and staff.
The facility on the Capricorn Highway, eight kilometres west of the beef capital of Australia is operated by Regional Infrastructure and Palisade Investments, and recorded the third largest sales throughput of the 26 Queensland saleyards reported during 2015/2016.
Regional Infrastructure general manager Andrew McCarron, said the stud season prices were outstanding, matching the success of commercial sales throughout the year.
The stud season, with a total of fourteen sales, over three months had a total turnover of $14,473,400, and out of the 2401 yarded during the sales, 2236 were sold, with a clearance rate of 93 per cent for the whole stud season.
“Such a successful year can be attributed to the current high returns Australian cattle producers are receiving and also the outstanding facilities at CQLX,” Mr McCarron said.
“The facility at Gracemere is of a high quality, that now attracts a wider drawing area of people choosing to market their livestock at the facility,” he said.
Redevelopment continued during 2016 at CQLX with the most significant change being the improvements to the loadout area.
Mr McCarron said this area of redevelopment has been undertaken with the support of the Queensland Government and specifically the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
“It will deliver significant infrastructure improvements to support safe livestock loading associated with sale events.
“It will also benefit road train operators transporting stock into Rockhampton using the decoupling areas, located at the south west end of the facility.”
He said other improvements include new water reticulation systems that benefit a variety of people, especially those that use the truck wash facility.
“We have just finalised scheduling the next phase of redevelopment which will extend the selling area capacity and redevelop the receivable area of the complex.
“Ultimately our aim is to continuously improve operational efficiency and safety.”
CQLX formerly known as the Gracemere Saleyards commenced operations in January 1953 and ranks as one of the major selling centre's in Australia and is regarded as one of the best stud selling facilities in the country.
The site consistently maintains its reputation as a social venue for country people who market their livestock, and continues to act as an educational venue for livestock competitions; special cattle breed sales and events.
For any inquiries regarding upcoming sales and events please phone (07) 4931 7300 or visit http://www.cqlx.com.au/
