Petition launched to save Mount Gambier and District Saleyards upgrade plan

After a major revamp of a regional saleyards was hit with a huge funding setback, locals are rallying - see how. 

Grant Council will be forced to re-evaluate the saleyards transformation project after it was denied crucial government funding. Picture: Grant Council

An online petition has been launched to rally support for a major revamp of a saleyards precinct in the state's South-East after the project failed to secure government funding last month.

The $14m project aims to transform the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards into a central hub for the region, increasing market sales and offering a platform for producers to grow new projects into ongoing operations.

The upgrades would facilitate the installation of more modern infrastructure, including cattle yard roofing, holding pen reconfigurations, soft flooring, sprinkler systems and rainwater harvesting.

In January Grant Council applied for $7m in federal funding to go towards the project but were notified in May that the application had been rejected.

Grant council CEO Darryl Whicker said the council was disappointed with the result because the saleyards are a premium selling centre that play a crucial role in supporting local primary producers.

The online petition, authorised by Barker MP Tony Pasin, says the federal government rejected the grant application despite Round 1 of the Growing Regions funding program being underspent by $93.4m.

"The rejection of funding for this project is a huge economic opportunity lost to the Limestone Coast," Mr Pasin said.

You can see the petition here.

‘Critical’ $14m SA project hit by major setback

A major revamp of a saleyards in the state’s South-East has failed to secure vital federal funding and needs to be “re-evaluated”.

The $14m project aims to transform the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards into a central hub for the region, increasing market sales and offering a platform for producers to grow new projects into ongoing operations.

In January 2024, Grant Council applied for $7m in federal funding but on Wednesday, council CEO Darryl Whicker was notified that the major project would not receive the cash.

“Council is disappointed with the announcement, however understands the importance of the saleyards to our community as it is a premium selling centre within our region helping to support our primary producers,” Mr Whicker said.

“The Saleyards Strategy Committee, council staff and stakeholders have put a significant amount of work into this transformation project over the past four years. We will now seek feedback from the federal government and the state government on how we may work together to deliver our mutual commitment in the best interest of primary producers.”

Council CEO Darryl Whicker, Councillor Barry Kuhl, and Mayor Kylie Boston at the saleyards. Picture: Grant Council

The Mount Gambier and District Saleyards. Picture: Picture: Grant Council

The saleyards would be upgraded with modern infrastructure including cattle yard roofing, holding pen reconfigurations, soft flooring, sprinkler systems and rainwater harvesting, priorities identified in the council’s 2018-2028 masterplan.

Saleyards strategy committee presiding member, Kongorong farmer and councillor Barry Kuhl said the project was critical for future agricultural growth and development.

“It is disappointing not to have essential funding awarded to this development as the saleyards have a long history of supporting agriculture in our region and throughout Australia,” Mr Kuhl said.

“To ensure the saleyards remains sustainable for future generations, appropriate funding is needed now.”

Originally, the $14m project would have been funded by a $4.3m contribution from Grant Council, $2.7m from state government and at least $7m from the federal government.

At its March meeting, the Mount Gambier Council voted to contribute $77,000.

Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional South Australia Ben Hood said the upgrade would have future-proofed the saleyards for the next 40-plus years and would have demonstrated an investment and significant vote of confidence in the region’s primary producers.

“It’s particularly disheartening to see the Federal Labor government turn their back on our region and the hard work of Grant District Council and the Mount Gambier Combined Agents, especially after the former State Liberal government had committed $2.7m towards the sale yards upgrade.”

“This is simply another blow to our region.”

The project, which has no starting date, would take about 14 months and increase local jobs.

Grant councillors will meet in the coming weeks to re-evaluate plans for the project.