Tuesday, 30 April 2024

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (13:08): (809) My question is to the Minister for Regional Development regarding the urgent need to provide shelter for animals at Bendigo Livestock Exchange. I was at the saleyards recently, where over 20,000 sheep and lambs are sold every week. Central Victoria experiences very hot weather in summer and icy conditions in winter, and Bendigo is the last of regional Victoria’s main saleyards to be without a main roof structure. Producers and agents have been waiting for years for action. The City of Greater Bendigo have also highlighted this project in their investment prospectus, and concept designs have been completed. As we look to grow renewable energy in the regions, this project also provides a great opportunity for solar power generation by installing panels on the roof and also to harvest water. I ask the government to demonstrate Victoria’s commitment to animal welfare by committing funds in the state budget to build a roof structure at Bendigo Livestock Exchange.