The promises continue to flow ahead of this week’s state budget.
Another two projects in Greater Bendigo are confirmed to be receiving nearly five million dollars in combined funds after last week’s pledge to fix two notorious intersections in the region.
One of those promises will see $1.7 million put toward installing a roof over the Bendigo Livestock Exchange (BLE), which was confirmed on Friday, May 1st.
The saleyard facility is located outdoors in Huntly, and currently has no shelter for on-site animal pens where livestock such as sheep, lamb and cattle is sold.
Animal welfare groups have previously called for a roof to be built at the site to protect livestock from the elements.
The money pledged will go toward the first stage of the installation, which the City of Greater Bendigo says will cover approximately one-third of the facility.
“The BLE is the last of regional Victoria’s four main saleyards to be without a roof, and this has been a long-time advocacy project of the City,” Mayor Thomas Prince said in a statement.
“We’re very pleased to secure this investment, which will also contribute to improved animal welfare standards and health and safety standards for staff, contractors and visitors.
“A roof ensures the long-term viability and success of the facility, will help reduce water used to clean the yards and provides future opportunity for added benefits like solar power generation and water harvesting.”
The second of the two projects being funded is a redevelopment of White Hills Oval, announced yesterday, with $3 million set aside for the construction of a new pavilion.
According to the government, this will allow for upgrades to the kitchen, spectator shelter, change room and other amenities, in an effort to make the facility more female-friendly and cater for the growing number of women and girls playing sport.
Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes will hand-down the 2026/27 budget in state parliament tomorrow.
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