Half a million dollars will expand and significantly upgrade truck wash facilities at the Moree saleyards.
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Moree Plains Shire Council secured $560,000 from the NSW Government out of the $10 million Fixing Country Truck Wash program.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the investment would provide environmental and economic benefits to the region.
“There’s nothing pleasant about coming up behind an unwashed cattle truck on the open road in the middle of summer or experiencing the odd ‘splash’ of effluent down a country town main street,” Mr Marshall said.
“Unwashed livestock transports spread noxious weeds and disease, hampering agricultural productivity and foisting unnecessary extra cost onto processing plants. By properly washing thesetrucks out, these risks to agricultural efficiency will be avoided and our roads and towns will be kept cleaner.
“Upgrades to this truck-wash are just part of the NSW Government’s commitment to improving the freight network’s efficiency across country areas.
“Anyone in the freight industry will benefit from this new and expanded truck wash. Whether you’re a contractor, casual hauler or livestock owner, this will make it much easier to decontaminate your trailer between loads, improving cleanliness and efficiency.”
The funding follows a visit to the saleyards last October by former Roads Minister Duncan Gay and Mr Marshall to look at the dilapidated wash out facilities.
The project will see the construction of new and longer dual wash-down bays, new lighting and security cameras, walkways to access double deck trailers, new high pressure hoses and effluent discharge pumps and weed separators.
Moree Plains Shire Council’s executive projects manager John Carleton said the project would have multiple benefits.
“Duplicate wash spaces will improve the waste water collection system, making it easier for a broader range of trucks to be able to use the site to improve the welfare of animals, make sure roads are safer, and take care of environmental pollution.
“This area is classed as a freight transport hub.
“We have three major state highways all coming together in this area here,” he said.
Moree Livestock Agents Association President Hamish Hosegood said the new truck wash would be a boost for local cattle producers with the benefit of a second bay.
“With the cattle market experiencing record high prices and animal welfare issues at the forefront of livestock handling and transport, it is imperative that we are able to supply clean, efficient trucks to move cattle to and from local markets.” Council and the saleyards will co-fund the extra expected $80,000 for the project.