I have written to the Deputy Premier Peter Ryan and Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh, telling them of the importance of the saleyards to the region’s producers and the wider community — as well as the economy.

I have sought support from the ministers to provide $500,000 of state funds to assist the Wanga- ratta Council to complete the proposed upgrade of the yards.

The work is required to ensure there is a sustainable selling centre at Wangaratta.

Furthermore, during the Mr Ryan’s visit to Wangaratta last month, he met the city’s administrators to discuss the saleyards’ issue.

Fruitful discussions took place at that meeting and Mr Ryan has given an assurance that he will give the project due consideration.

I am in contact with local producers and supporters of the saleyards’ upgrade on a daily basis.

As the community is well aware, the project comes with several challenges and complexities.

I will continue to work with all the stakeholders and the government on this issue.

— TIM McCURDY,

member for Murray Valley