Communities around Ouyen are set to benefit from improved sale yard infrastructure with the official opening of the Ouyen Livestock Exchange upgrades today.
Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the project, which had a more efficient sale yard with improved lighting and water delivery and expanded capacity. These upgrades will mean the livestock exchange stays viable into the future.
“This project has delivered a more user friendly selling facility, created employment opportunities, increased the revenue capacity of livestock farmers, agents and truck drivers. These outcomes will support our region well into the future.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government’s $111,957 investment in regional infrastructure would provide long term benefits to the far north-west of Victoria.
“This upgrade will ensure the viability of the facility for stakeholders and the community alike for many years to come by creating a safer, more user-friendly facility,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“By creating many ongoing jobs after completion right throughout the supply chain, this project will prove to be a huge boon for the regions primary producers, buyers and transport companies.”
Chair of the Ouyen Livestock Exchange board, Howard Crothers said the infrastructure upgrades will improve throughput, occupational health and safety and animal welfare.
“On behalf of the Ouyen Livestock Exchange Board, it is with pleasure that we are able to officially open the OLE Infrastructure Upgrade. The upgrade will improve throughput and occupational Health and safety.” Mr Crothers said.

This project received $111,957 in funding from the Australian Government under the Building Better Regions Fund, with the Ouyen Livestock Exchange contributing $160,293 in funding along with $7000 of in kind support.