LETTER TO THE EDITOR – MOUNT GAMBIER SALEYARDS

Dear editor,

I recently met with proponents of the Mount Gambier Saleyards project about their application to the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Fund.

I’ve supported this project every step of the way because I understand the economic and social benefits that upgraded saleyards would bring to the Limestone Coast.

For almost half a century, the Mount Gambier saleyards has offered a meeting place and social connection for livestock producers across the region, supporting the local agricultural industry and the Limestone Coast economy.

The reality is that the current infrastructure is aging and for our region to remain competitive and reach our agricultural potential the proposed upgrades are vital.

I’ve previously criticised the Federal Labor Government for scrapping the Building Better Regions Fund in the middle of the assessment of Round 6 applications, meaning the Saleyards project missed that opportunity for Federal Funding.

With the new Growing Regions Fund application process now finally underway, I have every confidence that the merits of the Mount Gambier Saleyards upgrade will be well demonstrated, after all, the project received bi-partisan support at a state level last year. Now, it’s up to the Federal Government to commit to this intergenerational regional development project that will bring big benefits to the entire region.

Tony Pasin MP

Federal Member for Barker