Southern Regional Livestock Exchange receives national recognition
Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Southern Regional Livestock Exchange (SRLE) roofing enclosure has been recognised at this year’s National Awards for Local Government.
The $4.8 million SRLE roofing enclosure received the commendation in the Innovative Infrastructure Development category announced by the Federal Minister for Local Government Simon Crean.
Mr Crean praised all nominees in the 16 categories.
“The national awards for local Government are designed to recognise and reward local councils for their important work in supporting their communities,” he said.
“Local government helps to underpin location-based solutions tailored to the specific needs and strengths of particular regions.”
The multi-million dollar roofing enclosure covering the Moss Vale saleyards includes numerous innovative features such as insulation to protect from the heat and cold, solar panels which capture the suns energy and the ability to capture and filter rainwater run-off and frost to potable levels saving some 1.8 million litres of water each year.
The roofing enclosure enables trade to be safely conducted in all weather conditions and ensures thousands more head of cattle are processed each year attracting business from neighbouring regions including Goulburn, Braidwood and Camden which in turn provides the entire Shire with a major economic boost.
Chairman of the Southern Regional Livestock Exchange, Councillor Duncan Gair said the award was recognition of a combined team effort.
“Everyone involved in the scheme from the project coordinators through to the builders and contractors deserve credit for helping to deliver this world-class cattle saleyard facility right here in our own backyard,” he said.
“Particular mention should also be made of the financial assistance provided by our Federal partners.
“Stephen Jones MP, the Federal Member for Throsby and the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, were both instrumental in securing $4.1 million in federal funding for the project,” Councillor Gair said.
Frankston City Council received the top award in the category for its community driven YouTube network.
Category winners announced will be considered for the overall 2012 National Award for Excellence in Local Government.