Roma Saleyards to undergo multi-million dollar face lift with new facility

The proposed upgrade would include a saleyards administration building featuring workspaces, buyer check-off room and amenities, a multi-purpose room, dining and function area, bull selling arena, car park and interpretative centre. 

State and federal funding will also be required to support the project which will revitalise the saleyard facilities for the first time since they were built almost 50 years ago.

Maranoa Regional Council are now calling on the community to comment on the plans with the consultation period closing on May 3. 

Councillor and Portfolio Chair for Roma Saleyards Peter Flynn said a number of comments had already been submitted with the cost of the facility the main topic.

“It is a fairly massive project and a few people have been baulking at that one thing, the cost,” he said.

“We need to take into consideration this week there was $8 million turned over at the sale meaning we are looking at turning over $320 million this year.

“To spend $6 million for a long term project doesn’t appear to be a major expense.” 

The project will also see the current selling ring relocated to allow for the expansion of an extra 65 selling pens in the future.

Mr Flynn said the project would be beneficial to not only the visiting tourists but current office employees who were in need of an upgrade to their facilities.

“At the moment where the tour starts is a fair way away from where the action is and with the new deck area they can virtually start where the saleyards is, looking at what is happening in the yards and go to the scales and a general tour of the yards,” he said.

“The main thing is we are trying to make sure that we cement our position as the number one cattle selling venue in Australia and I guess possibly for the future of the yards in Roma.”

The facility will feature three offices and an open space area for computers and desks which it is hoped will allow the local stock agents to be housed at the facility too. 

PJH selling agent Steven Goodhew said the project would modernise the growing complex. 

"It is the largest selling centre off course and it was probably due for an upgrade," he said.

"The old facilities, while they have served their purpose they are in need of a fair bit of maintenance and upgrade.

"It won't happen overnight but for a big selling complex like Roma it draws the numbers and it draws a lot of buyers and vendors plus visitors." 

To have your say on the plans visit www.mymaranoa.org.au/business/saleyards