New cattle yards installed at Gilgandra Showground

Work is complete on new cattle yards at Gilgandra Showground in the Orana region, thanks to a $130,000 grant from the NSW Government.

Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure funded the upgrade work through its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF).

The original cattle yards were built in the early 1960s and were a key piece of infrastructure at the showground. However, due to age and wear, the cattle yards were no longer fit for purpose and posed a potential risk to animals and the public.

The new cattle yards are bigger, safer and much easier to use and meet operational health and safety standards.

The improved facilities will allow more cattle and other livestock to take part in events. Thanks to the upgrade, almost 60 cattle competed in this year’s Gilgandra Show, a 25 per cent increase from last year. The new facilities also provide a safe space for stud and commercial sales, boosting
revenue for the showground while allowing local businesses a place to showcase their livestock safely.

The stockyards will also be used by the local school for junior cattle competitions with the secure facilities allowing competitors to show young and unled animals safely. The facilities will train new generations of stock men and women so a great Australian tradition can continue.

As well as making Gilgandra Showground a premier regional destination for cattle shows, the facilities will be attractive for tourists who can house their horses for overnight stays, providing an economic boost for the showground and Gilgandra community.

Gilgandra Showground Land Manager Secretary Ross Barden said:

“The new stockyards are wonderful and very sturdy. We will now be able to host more events and shows, which is a great benefit for everyone here at the showground.

“I thank Crown Lands for their support, and I am thrilled we have these new, long-lasting cattle yards which we will be able to use for many, many years.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

"This is very welcome news. Infrastructure for managing cattle safely has improved significantly over the last 60 years. These yards will be safer for the people using them and less distressing for the livestock. The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund has been an excellent program for updating showgrounds, racecourses and other Crown Land infrastructure, adding value to our regional communities and making them better places to live, work and play."

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities, which is why infrastructure investments like these are so important. The new cattle yards will allow for more events and ensure youngsters learn valuable skills, providing social and economic benefits for Gilgandra.

“Crown reserves support health and well-being by providing public land for recreation, including showgrounds which serve as multi-use venues bringing people together for events and to socialise.”