The Cowra Saleyards Committee has voted to prepare a business case for a third truck wash bay, recognising both the biosecurity importance and financial value of the facility.
The decision was made at the committee’s August 7 meeting, where councillors, agents and local representatives discussed stock numbers, infrastructure needs, and the competitive pressures facing regional saleyards.
Chairman Councillor Peter Wright said the committee met at the beginning of the month and acknowledged that livestock numbers remain a challenge, but said the operation itself was running smoothly.
“Our numbers are still a concern, stock numbers that is," he said.
“It’s a lot to do with the season.
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“We are hoping that the numbers will improve.
“With the high sale prices people might be selling direct, but that might mean we get a bit more through the auction system.
“The operation seems to be going very well over there,” he said.
Much of the discussion centred on the truck wash facility, which is already bringing in strong revenue and attracting transport operators.
“From industry standards and from what we heard at the annual conference, saleyards in Wagga said the biggest impediment to livestock transport is facilities of truck wash and effluent disposal,” Cr Wright said.
“We have two there at the moment.
“They’re very well received, as they’ve got high pressure.
“You can use less water to get the job done, so the trucks are quicker.
“Trucks have to be clean when they go to pick up a new load of livestock from a farm or saleyard, to help with biosecurity.
“We can easily handle three here,” Councillor Wright said.
The committee agreed that Council would prepare a detailed business case on a third bay, to be presented at the February 2026 meeting.
Options for site locations were discussed, with environmental licensing, effluent disposal and water supply all identified as critical factors.
In addition to the third bay, the committee considered plans to replace the existing pump house, pumps and associated equipment.
The upgrade would ensure that future needs are met, including the possibility of servicing a new truck wash bay.
Works would be staged to minimise disruptions, with the old system disconnected only once the new one is ready for commissioning.
Councillor Wright said cost planning was essential before committing to the expansion.
“Pretty hard to have a budgetary implication where we haven’t got a budget started,” he said.
“It’s working out what it’s going to cost, if it’s feasible to put it alongside where it is.
“The upgrade of the water and electricity will be there if needed.
“We bring all that together rather than making the decision to build one and then say six months later it needs another $300,000,” Councillor Wright said.
The saleyards sector is highly competitive, with larger regional centres often attracting agents and stock from interstate.
Despite this, Councillor Wright praised Cowra’s ability to remain viable.
“One company made a comment to me,” Councillor Wright said.
“He said Cowra is not a big yard, but they’ve done very well to remain open and remain viable under the pressure the industry is under.
“It’s a very competitive industry, and our staff and the agents are working hard here to maintain what we have.
“I think we can maintain what we have in a normal season,” he said.
He also commended staff for attending the saleyards conference, where they gained insights on issues ranging from electronic identification to stock disposal methods.
Other matters discussed included negotiations on yard fees for transport operators, scanner repairs, and restrictions preventing B-triple trucks from accessing the Cowra Saleyards.
The committee also highlighted the need to promote the yards more effectively, with plans for Council’s media officer to assist in public messaging.
Despite the challenges, Councillor Wright said the Cowra Saleyards continue to demonstrate resilience.
“I commend the staff and what we’re doing here at Cowra,” he said.
“It’s not all just because the bigger yards are bigger that they’re better.
“We’ve managed to hold on, invest wisely, and keep things running.
“Now it’s about planning carefully for the future.”
The committee will meet again on November 6, when updates on the business case and other infrastructure projects are expected to be tabled.
