Saleyards Windfall for Softfall

DRAFT plans for improvements at the Scone saleyards are set to become a reality following a grant of more than $2 million, which will be matched by the local Council and associated stock agents.

According to stock agent, Stuart Sheldrake the improvements will be significant for animal welfare.

“There are only drafts at the moment, but the plan is to replace all of the yards, all of the draft yards from loading ramps down and covered over with a roof and also soft flooring which is a major thing that needs to happen, especially for animal welfare issues shielding them from the sun in the summer time and the soft flooring will be good for the feet and legs of the livestock in general and also for us,” laughed Mr Sheldrake.

“There will be a slight increase in fees until 2025 I believe, which there hasn’t been an increase in a very, very long time and by 2025 we’ll have cheaper selling costs than Tamworth, which I think is really good,” he said.

“Hopefully that will attract more stock for sale, especially store sales and feature sales and more throughput for the Scone community and support the economy as well especially feature sales people come to town and stay over night,” Stuart Sheldrake said.