Moree Plains Shire Council Projects Manager John Carleton, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, Moree Livestock Agents Association President Hamish Hosegood and freight company owner Leon Riggs farewell the old truck wash at Moree Saleyards.
Wednesday, 24 May 2017
THE welfare of livestock and our region’s roads will be significantly improved with Moree Plains Shire Council securing $560,000 from the NSW Government to expand and significantly upgrade its truck wash facilities at the Moree Saleyards.
The saleyard truck washout will be the latest beneficiary of the $10 millionFixing Country Truck Wash program, jointly funded by NSW Government and the Commonwealth.
Announcing the funding today, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the investment would provide environmental and economic benefits to the region.
“There’s nothing pleasant about coming up behind an unwashed cattle truck on the open road in the middle of summer or experiencing the odd ‘splash’ of effluent down a country town main street,” Mr Marshall said.
“Unwashed livestock transports spread noxious weeds and disease, hampering agricultural productivity and foisting unnecessary extra cost onto processing plants. By properly washing these trucks out, these risks to agricultural efficiency will be avoided and our roads and towns will be kept cleaner.
“Upgrades to this truck-wash are just part of the NSW Government’s commitment to improving the freight network’s efficiency across country areas.
“Anyone in the freight industry will benefit from this new and expanded truck wash. Whether you’re a contractor, casual hauler or livestock owner, this will make it much easier to decontaminate your trailer between loads, improving cleanliness and efficiency.”
The funding follows a visit to the saleyards last October by former Roads Minister Duncan Gay and Mr Marshall to look at the dilapidated wash out facilities.
The project will see the construction of new and longer dual wash-down bays, new lighting and security cameras, walkways to access double deck trailers, new high pressure hoses and effluent discharge pumps and weed separators.
Mr Marshall praised More Plains Shire Council for seizing the opportunity, together with the Moree Livestock Agents Association, for funding to expand and improve truck wash out facilities in the district, including adding a second bay.
Moree Plains Shire Council’s Executive Projects Manager John Carleton said this project will have multiple benefits.
“Duplicate wash spaces will improve the waste water collection system, making it easier for a broader range of trucks to be able to use the site to improve the welfare of animals, make sure roads are safer, and take care of environmental pollution,” he said. “This area is classed as a freight transport hub – we have three major state highways all coming together in this area here.”
Moree Livestock Agents Association President Hamish Hosegood said the new truck wash would be a boost for local cattle producers.
“With the cattle market experiencing record high prices and animal welfare issues at the forefront of livestock handling and transport, it is imperative that we are able to supply clean, efficient trucks to move cattle to and from local markets,” Mr Hosegood said.
The Moree expansion is expected to cost $640,000, with council and the Moree Saleyards to co-fund the project the remaining $80,000.