THE $3.6 million Wang-aratta saleyards remains in limbo despite the Coalition government pledging $500,000 towards the project if re-elected next month.
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The low-key announcement was made by Victorian Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh at a National Party members-only function at Wangaratta yesterday.
He was accompanied by Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy, who had been under pressure from the former Wangaratta Council to secure funding.
The commitment was made with minimal fanfare, with Mr Walsh and Mr McCurdy departing for other engagements before lunchtime.
Mr Walsh’s press release said the saleyards were 35 years old and needed improving.
“If re-elected on November 29, the Coalition will provide $500,000 from the $1 billion regional growth fund to help fund roofing of the facility, soft flooring for cattle, improved disability access and the harvest and reuse of rainwater,” it said.
In mid-September Mr McCurdy updated the community on the representations he had made on the saleyards to parliamentary colleagues, deputy premier Peter Ryan and Mr Walsh.
Mr McCurdy has previously stated he wouldn’t chase saleyards funding if Wangaratta administrators weren’t committed to the project.
Chief administrator Ailsa Fox said the upgrade wasn’t a “done deal” and talks had also been held with the Labor Party about matching the Coalition pledge.
Tenders for construction of the saleyards closed this week and a final decision will be made at a meeting to be determined.
Mrs Fox said all three administrators needed to be present to make the decision, with Rod Roscholler due to return from leave shortly.
Wangaratta District Livestock Producers Group has been lobbying the council on the redevelopment since April.
Spokesman Greg Mirabella welcomed the Coalition announcement.
“It will give council some confidence to go ahead with the project, award contracts and get the ball rolling,” he said.
The Coalition honoured a $400,000 funding commitment to a $1 million saleyards upgrade at Yea in the lead-up to the 2011 state poll.
Australian Country Alliance candidate Julian Fidge said he would be pushing for an even bigger amount if elected.
“I hope to defeat Mr McCurdy and if I do so, I will fight for at least the $500,000 Mr McCurdy has promised, and try to increase the state’s contribution in recognition of their rude neglect of this urgent, important issue,” he said.
“The council took the decision to roof the saleyards 18 months ago and it should be on by now.”