The  $263,918 will be spent on the installation of an effluent reuse program to be used at the council-owned cattle saleyard facility.

The announcement was made last week by Goulburn MP Pru Goward MP, as one of the 67 projects across regional NSW approved for funding as part of the third round of the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads program.

Ms Goward said this investment in the SRLX would support the economic growth of the shire.

“The shire’s agricultural industry relies heavily on facilities remaining a high standard so that commodities are able to move to market efficiently,” she said.

Mayor Ken Halstead, who raised the issue of an upgrade at the SRLX, welcomed news of the funding.

“Not two months ago I raised a Notice of Motion at Council suggesting we prioritise upgrading the saleyards as a matter of urgency,” he said.

“I explained that it was imperative that we upgrade its facilities to ensure it remains one of the largest and productive saleyards in the state.”

In the last financial year, the SRLX turned over 51,000 head of cattle with annual sales of $58 million.

The grant funding will be used to install a solids-liquid manure press and macerator pump, expand the existing effluent catchment pit, upgrade the filtration system for water recycling and carry out some upgrades to the power supply.

The works to the electrical supply will include an upgrade of the power lines crossing Berrima Road and improvements to the main power board of the SRLX.

“The Southern Highlands has a long association with the land and the SRLX is vitally important to our Shire,” Cr Halstead said..

“This grant funding is testimony in the state government’s confidence in our shire and shows that the Member for Goulburn continues to listen to our concerns. I’m absolutely delighted with the announcement and I thank the Member for her continued advocacy and support of our shire.”