Saleyard upgrade tender now open
The tender for the upgrades to the cattle yards at the Southern Regional Livestock Exchange (SRLX) is now open.
Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Deputy General Manager Operations, Finance and Risk, Barry Paull said the request for tender follows consultation undertaken with key stakeholders at the Council-managed facility.
“Last year our project team and specialist consultants approached the stock and station agents and transport operators and asked their opinions on how the saleyards might be improved,” he said.
“Their suggestions were subsequently considered in the functional requirements of the proposed works and prioritised against the available budget.
“This in turn formed the basis of the public tender documentation.”
Key upgrades sought as part of the tender include the demolition and replacement of the existing cattle yards and pens and replacement of the loading ramps. Other elements of the proposed works include the construction of an air-operated draft yard, raised public access and buyer and auctioneer walkways.
The works will be undertaken in a staged approach to minimise disruption to the weekly Wednesday sale operations.
Mr Paull said the improvement works would help drive more business through the Moss Vale-based facility.
“These works will be funded from a State Government grant obtained through the Growing Local Economies Fund,” he said. “Council is grateful to the former Member for Goulburn, Pru Goward for the work she did in advocating and supporting this project.”
“Once completed these upgrades will elevate the Moss Vale SRLX to one of the premier cattle saleyards in the state.”
Originally scheduled to be advertised earlier in April, the advertising of the tender had been delayed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The decision to postpone advertising the tender has turned out to be a responsible move,” the Deputy General Manager said. “As travel restrictions are being eased, we’re expecting a strong field of tenderers to compete for the works.”
Council’s public tender for the Design Development and Construction of Saleyard Upgrades closes at 10.00am Tuesday 21 July 2020.
Details can be found on Council’s website at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/tenders-expressions-of-interest.
“I’d encourage any suitably qualified and experienced local contractors to throw their hat in the ring and apply by the closing date.”
For more information contact Council’s Procurement team on phone 4868 0888 or via email at procurement@wsc.nsw.gov.au.