Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan turned the sod on the first stage of the $14 million development of the Casino Saleyards last Wednesday.
“If you are one of the 1200 people employed by the Meatworks, are a cattle producer, or a small business in the region, this $14 million redevelopment is great news,” Mr Hogan said.
“It is good news because the upgrade will ensure Casino remains the regional centre for this industry thereby helping job security.”
Phase one works are completed by Wiley and include upgrade work in the holding yards, relocation of a manual crush, storm-water connection and site preparation for the tank installation.
Phase two work started in July and includes:
• Removal and storage of existing roof over receival area
• Removal of rails, gates and fences in receival area
• Clearing and grubbing of receival area
• Installation of 400kl tank and associated storm-water connections
• Redesign and construction of new multipurpose pens in the receival area
• Drilling of bored piers and construction of roof columns with associated concrete works
• Construction of roof span, insulation, electrical and data cabling, roof sheeting, LED lighting
• Initial construction of semi-automated four way drafts
Other work has focussed on the completion of the drafts, the receival area and the new selling pens on the eastern end of the facility. Once this is completed, this area will
be handed back for operational use and construction efforts will move to the refurbishment of the selling pens at the western end.
“This project is a game-changer and will create more jobs for local people and bring more money into our region for years to come,” Mr Hogan said.
The work is being been carried out by construction firm Wiley. Its Chief Operating Officer Robert Barron said: “We are enjoying working with Richmond Valley Council Team on the upgrade and are proud to be a part of this significant milestone on this important regional project. It’s a fantastic initiative by the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund.”
The Federal Government kick started the multi-million dollar development with a $3.5 million grant under the Stronger Regions Fund, which has been matched by the council.
