Australia’s largest cattle selling centre, the Roma Saleyards, has been a hive of activity with extensive improvements to the yards underway, says Maranoa Regional Councils’ portfolio chair for the Roma Saleyards, councillor Peter Flynn.
“Earlier this year, council appointed local business Brett Pollock Constructions Pty Ltd as the preferred tenderer for the construction of stage one of the Saleyard Improvement Plan at Roma Saleyards,” Cr Flynn said.
He said stage one is progressing with the construction of the selling pens nearing completion, and that the focus has now shifted to the construction of the drafts.
Due to be completed in April 2019 (weather permitting), the selling pens and drafts will be built on the eastern side of the yards to make way for more receival/delivery yards on the western side adjacent to the unloading/loading ramps.
“It’s fantastic to see the progress over the last month with construction of the new selling pens nearing completion and construction works commencing on the drafts.
“Seeing strong progress on the Saleyards Improvement Plan is a great achievement for Maranoa Regional Council and we look forward to the continual development in the coming months.”
In the past year, the Roma Saleyards has seen the following improvements:
- A 24/7 United Petroleum Roadhouse
- A gravel hardstand area for heavy vehicle parking
- A sealed carpark
- An upgrade of the saleyards entrance to cater for type two road trains including a new culvert, cattle grid and electrical and telecommunication infrastructure upgrades
- A stormwater detention basin and stormwater management infrastructure
- Connection into council’s sewer network
He said in addition to the Saleyard Improvement Plan, the Roma Saleyards will see a major addition next year.
“This exciting project will include a new stud stock selling arena and a multi-purpose facility featuring an interpretive centre.
“The centre will highlight the history of the cattle industry and the saleyards, and incorporate a new canteen, dining area and a single storey administrative office.”
Funding for the Roma Saleyards multi-purpose facility project has been provided by the Federal Government ($3,961,482), the Queensland Government under Building our Regions ($3,698,983) and Maranoa Regional Council ($262,500).
Cr Flynn said in addition to stage one of the Roma Saleyards Improvement Plan, council has also committed to sourcing detailed designs for stage two and three which will “improve the safety, security and productivity of the saleyards”.
The following items will be incorporated into the detailed designs:
Stage 2
- Reconfiguration of loading in/out facilities at ramp one (including a new ramp)
- Reconfiguration of loading in/out facilities at ramp two (including a new ramp)
- Relocation and installation of new body truck ramps in a new location
- Receival/delivery yards which will be connected to the new bull selling arena
- A small pound draft for drafting smaller consignments of cattle (i.e. body truck loads)
- Investigation into offsetting ramps one and two
- Improved lighting throughout the facility
- Upgrading the remaining auctioneers’ walkways to current standards
Stage 3
Cr Flynn said stage three involves the detailed designs for the new weighbridges and processing area in a more central location to “improve the productivity while processing cattle through the weighing process”, at the Roma Saleyards.
The following items will be incorporated into the detailed designs:
- Two full size weighbridges incorporating the latest industry technology
- A weighbridge office
- Pre-scales drafting areas
- A post-scale holding area
- Construction of a roof over the weighbridges processing area
The Roma Saleyards Improvement Plan – Stage 1 is a joint initiative of Maranoa Regional Council and the Queensland Government.
