Anne Webster (Mallee, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Sale days at livestock exchanges are fabulous occasions for regional farming communities. They aren't just opportunities to buy and sell stock, they are a chance for people to come together, to see old friends, to build new relationships and to break down the isolation some farmers experience. That's why I was proud to turn the first sod for the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange project to modernise their facilities and construct a massive roof over the entire saleyard. The new roof will cover over 23,000 square metres, which equates to 88 tennis courts or 18 Olympic-size swimming pools. This upgrade will provide a safe and comfortable environment for buyers and sellers and will improve conditions for the animals. The exchange is also installing 100 kilowatts of solar power and a rainwater storage system, which will ensure the ongoing sustainability of the exchange.

Horsham Rural City Council received $1.5 million via the Building Better Regions Fund to reach this project's total cost of $3.7 million. This kind of project is exactly what the government had in mind when the Building Better Regions Fund was established. We know that these upgrades will create jobs, drive economic growth and increase output for the region. Throughout its 20-year history, the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange has seen 10 million sheep and lambs pass through its gates. (Time expired)