THREE smaller sales yards in New South Wales have completed nearly $20 million worth of upgrades after the federal and state governments supported work to improve efficiency and safety and boost local economic growth.
The shipyards in Kempsey on the state's mid-north coast and Armidale and Guyra in the New England Tablelands will benefit from funding from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, provided under the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments' Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Cattle and sheep sales in Armidale and Guyra will benefit from a $9.78 million upgrade that will transform the region's sales yards into modern, efficient and sustainable sales centres, NSW Agriculture and Regional Affairs Minister Tara Moriarty said in a statement.
“This project has modernized the aging retail centers and improved operational efficiency, user safety and on-site sustainability,” Ms Moriarty said.
At Armidale Saleyards, sustainability took center stage, with the installation of a solar energy system, a wastewater reuse network and a new water tank, all designed to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
Other improvements include the construction of bull sales pens, a dedicated sales platform, new administration and canteen buildings and expanded parking, all of which make the facility more accessible and user-friendly.
Guyra Saleyards has also undergone significant redevelopment, the statement said. The sheep sales yards were completely replaced, the stockyards relocated and improved irrigation systems installed. Road improvements, fence improvements and the completion of a wastewater pond complete the work.
“Together, these upgraded facilities improve livestock management, increase safety for users and streamline business operations – attracting more buyers and sellers and boosting the local economy,” the New South Wales government statement said.
The Armidale and Guyra Livestock Sales Centers are owned and operated by Armidale Regional Council.
According to the MLA's National Saleyards survey for 2024-25, Armidale was ranked 11thTh At 46,000 head, cattle sales last financial year were the largest in New South Wales. Guyra didn't make the cattle 28 yards list, but finished 11thTh for sheep with 130,000 head.
Kempsey Yards came 13thTh in NSW for cattle, at 42,000 head per year.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the refurbishment of the Armidale and Guyra shipyards would provide a major boost to the local economy and help these busy sales yards run even more efficiently.
“By partnering on funding, the Albanese and Minns governments are helping to ensure the Armidale region can continue to grow its agricultural economy and recover from the impacts of past floods and other disruptions,” she said.
NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the state government supports smart investments that bring economic development to the agricultural sector and local communities.
“Upgrading sales yards in Armidale and Guyra will deliver long-term benefits for producers, buyers and the wider community,” she said.
“By providing this infrastructure, we not only improve daily operations with greater efficiency and sustainability, but also strengthen the backbone of the local economy and secure the future of our livestock trade.
“These upgrades reflect our commitment to regional development and animal welfare and will make a real difference to everyone who relies on these facilities.”
“Vales yards are important to the local economy and the agricultural industry that plays such an important role in regional and rural communities.
Local Guyra Representative and Saleyards Coordinator Sam SewellDirector of APL Guyra Armidale said the upgrades had so far received positive feedback from producers.
“It’s great to see producers coming back on sale days to see their lambs being sold, chat to other producers and just experience the atmosphere created by the modernized operations,” he said.
“These upgrades firmly position the Armidale region as a key hub for Australia’s livestock industry and lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and innovation in agricultural trade for years to come.”
Kempsey shipyards open for business after $9.5 million upgrade
Further south, a $9.5 million revamp of the Kempsey Regional Saleyards is strengthening the resilience of the livestock sector on the New South Wales mid-north coast. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty is opening the newly modernized facility this week.
The redevelopment of the Kempsey Regional Saleyards received $9.421 million from the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments, with Kempsey Shire Council contributing $176.00.
The sales yard generates more than $30 million in sales annually from cattle sold, and recent improvements to the facility ensure this economic activity continues into the future. .
The modernization of the sales area focused on improving operational efficiency, increasing sales capacity and animal welfare.
Major works include a new roof over the yards, soft flooring, a modern sales office and sales arena, additional stockyards, a shed house, upgraded stables, two-story truck loading docks and a purpose-built S-shaped cattle run. A new kiosk, amenities, bleacher and landscaping will also enhance the retail experience for buyers and sellers.
The Kempsey upgrades were put to the test during the May 2025 floods, when the sale yard was a life-saving refuge and evacuation center for 1,100 cattle that would otherwise have perished in the rising waters of the Macleay River.
In the weeks that followed, the facility hosted its largest-ever livestock sale, with more than 2,800 animals sold as producers recovered from the effects of the flooding.
Kempsey Regional Saleyards is owned by Kempsey Shire Council and is leased, maintained and operated by Kempsey Stock & Land agency.
Federal Senator for NSW Tim Ayres said the Kempsey Regional Saleyards had always been an important part of the local livestock industry and the Kempsey community.
“It’s great to see this important facility receive the investment it deserves,” he said.
“The upgrades undertaken are not only a recognition of the auction house's vital role in the region's recovery from the floods earlier this year, but also a forward-looking investment in its future resilience. These improvements will create local jobs, strengthen the region's economic foundations and help Kempsey attract investment for the future.”
Local Representative and Director of Kempsey Stock and Land, Ian Arguesaid the new modernized facility and improved infrastructure have improved not only animal welfare, but also presentation, delivery of livestock and sales time, which will make producers more money.
“The new facility has been very well received by sellers and buyers alike and everyone has had positive comments. It is a huge asset to the town, brings a lot of money into the town and the valley and creates local jobs.”
“These upgrades are a win for the entire livestock industry and represent major progress for the region.”
Source: NSW Government