‘We’re probably the only ones left on the eastern seaboard without a roof’
The Bendigo community is hoping to fast-track the local selling centre’s roof construction. It’s the last of four major regional saleyards without a roof.
Pressure is mounting for work to begin on a roof at Bendigo saleyards - but funding for the project has still yet to be secured.
With a throughput of about one million sheep and lambs each year, the Bendigo Livestock Exchange is the last of Victoria’s four major saleyards without a roof.
The exchange is managed by the City of Greater Bendigo, drawing in $190m in livestock sales annually and contributing $13.7m to the regional economy.
The council recently rescoped the project, with stage one to cost $3.4m, and has committed its $1.7m half. It has yet to formally apply for the Victorian government to match its contribution but said it had been advocating for funding for “some years”.
It has not disclosed the total project amount.
The Weekly Times asked the state government whether the Bendigo council had approached the government for funding or had formally applied, and whether it was under consideration.
A Victorian government spokesperson did not respond to those questions specifically, but said they recognised the importance of saleyards as crucial infrastructure for regional Victoria’s livestock industry. They also said Agriculture Victoria actively supported and collaborated with the saleyard sector.
Elders Bendigo livestock manager Nigel Starick said livestock agents and community members had rallied for a roof for many years, arguing it would mean further growth for the facility.
“We’re probably the only ones left on the eastern seaboard without a roof, it needs to happen,” he said.
“It’s a lot easier to manage in inclement weather whether it’s hot, cold or raining. Man or beast doesn’t like being in it, so the roof would be exceptional to work under.”
Council economy and experience manager James Myatt said construction could start once government funding was secured. He expected stage one construction would take about 12 months from a funding commitment.
Local advocacy group Bendigo Animal Welfare and Community Services is also pushing for the roof, and hoping to bring the council’s construction time frame forward.
They said they were pleased when the staged approach was proposed.
“However, we are deeply concerned that the start of this crucial stage is dependent on state government partner funding, which, even if secured, would not see work commence until after November 2026,” they said.
