The Coalition Government has committed $5 million to upgrade the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX) in Rockhampton to support Central Queensland’s beef industry.
The upgrade will add a roof to the facility, increasing safety and animal welfare, as well as creating efficiencies projected to deliver $13.25 million of local economic benefits each year from increased sales.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said cattle saleyards were vital pieces of infrastructure to support Australia’s thriving beef industry, and this commitment builds on $12 million in upgrades at the Gracemere facility over the past 10 years.
“Rockhampton is known as the beef capital of Australia and investing in the infrastructure we need to maximise efficiencies will put more food on the table for Australians as well as bringing in export dollars,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The Central Queensland Livestock Exchange is already the third-largest saleyard complex in Queensland, and the largest stud selling facility in Australia. Improving its facilities will only facilitate more growth.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the Coalition Government is continuing to support a critical complex that delivers significant economic benefits for Central Queensland.
“Central Queensland has some of the best beef on the planet. The CQLX ranks as one of the major selling centres in Australia and is regarded as one of the best studs selling facilities in the country,” Ms Landry said.
“Today’s announcement proves that the Coalition Government is continuing to back important infrastructure that our agricultural industry needs.”
Liberal National candidate for Flynn Colin Boyce said improvements to the CQLX infrastructure would benefit Central Queensland’s entire beef industry, including graziers across Flynn.
“CQLX is a world-class facility and these upgrades will make it even better. Being able to have stock handled and penned in undercover yards means improved conditions and less stress for stock, particularly in the hotter months, which means superior results at sale,” Mr Boyce said.
“We have some of the nation’s best beef producers right here in Flynn – people who embrace state of the art technology and have great pride in the livestock they turn out. It is fantastic to know that these saleyards are going to be fit-for-purpose for years to come thanks to this investment.”
Only a Coalition Government will support our regions with the strong infrastructure they need, enabled by sound economic management. In contrast, Labor has no plans to increase employment opportunities, infrastructure or the cost of living for Central Queensland.
