Southern Downs Regional Council confirms timeline for multimillion dollar upgrade of Warwick Saleyard

A sustainable and supportive future for one of the region’s biggest industries was the prime concern for council ahead of the planned multimillion-dollar upgrades to a key piece of infrastructure, which will begin shortly.

A multimillion dollar upgrade project to rectify safety concerns for Warwick Saleyards is expected to begin soon, with the council saying a ‘sustainable future’ for one of the regions biggest industries was a prime factor.

On Friday, the Southern Downs Regional Council confirmed construction would begin shortly and a construction tender had been awarded for the project.

It is understood the project is expected to be completed by mid-2024 in two stages, at a total cost of $7.5m co-funded by council and the Australian government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant.

Southern Downs mayor Vic Pennisi said works were expected to commence shortly and the necessary upgrades will secure a sustainable future for the saleyards and support the region’s biggest industry.

Southern Downs' $7+ million dollar upgrade project on the saleyards is expected to begin soon and be completed by mid-2024 (Photo: SDRC)

“The Warwick Saleyards is a major economic pillar in the identity of the Southern Downs and the facility has been connecting our rural and agricultural community with stock and station agents for more than 60 years,” Mr Pennisi said.

“However, the livestock industry has evolved since the saleyards started operating and there is no question that development is needed to ensure the region has quality facilities which meet current animal welfare standards and industry trends.”

Mr Pennisi said council had reviewed a number of options after extensive consultation with community and industry figures, and said the council had an “extensive wish list” which “was beyond financial reach”.

“We are not ruling out future stages or ideas but this is where we must start to ensure human and animal safety standards are met,” he said.

It was anticipated that stage 1 would be complete in March 2024 and stage 2 in May 2024.

It’s one of many multimillion dollar projects which will future proof life in the region in the coming years, including another council-backed project, the Stanthorpe art gallery upgrade.

Stanthorpe’s major art precinct upgrade was announced in 2022, and is estimated to be completed in March of next year.