Effluent pit now open

TRUCK drivers will now be able to utilise the freshly opened effluent disposal pit at the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards.
The official opening was held yesterday by District Council of Grant, with the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) and Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria (LRTAV) members in attendance.
District Council of Grant Chief Executive, Darryl Whicker and Mayor, Richard Sage thanked the ALRTA  for helping bring the project to fruition.
“Council was approached by the ALRTA for an opportunity to part fund this effluent drainage system at the saleyards facility, which council supported straight away and we are proud to co-invest in this,” Mr Whicker said.
Mr Sage was excited to see the new facility open, which will have a flow-on effect to the livestock supply chain.
“Thank you to the contractors who have done an amazing job,” he said.
“Thank you to the ALRTA, not only for pushing to get this facility here but partnering with us to get it to fruition.
“This is one part of the plans they (the saleyard committee) have had for well over 10 years now and I think it’s going to see our facility become one of the state-of-the-art facilities.”
Representing Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz, Barker MP Tony Pasin helped officially opened the pit.
Mr Pasin said the $50,000 Federal Government contribution came through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative and congratulated all involved in the project.
“Every person, every day, relies on a truck driver every minute of the day,” he said.
“What many Australians don’t realise is not only do we need to upgrade roads and keep them safe and more efficient, we’ve got a need to move livestock around the country in an efficient and safe, humane way and this new facility improves animal welfare standards and improves safety on the roads.
“It’s critically important that we provide this kind of infrastructure around the beef and sheep network that we have.
“Congratulations to council, the contractors, the saleyards committee, this is another piece of important infrastructure.
“To those that are here on behalf of the ALRTA, we thank you for your endeavour. I know it’s not always easy talking to government, but you’ve obviously persevered and we’ve got some way down the road.”