The Rudd Labor Government will provide more than $4 million to build a new energy efficient and water saving roof over the Southern Regional Livestock Exchange facility in Moss Vale, NSW.

I made the announcement at the Livestock Exchange this afternoon with Mayor of Wingecarribee Shire Council, Duncan Gair.

The project is worth a total of more than $4.8 million in total and is expected to support 30 jobs during construction, as well as another 12 over the longer term.

This funding will help create jobs in the local economy today while delivering lasting benefits to the community.

The funding will provide the modern infrastructure required at the Southern Regional Livestock Exchange to reach the standards of other livestock facilities. The funding will also cover site preparation and construction of temporary saleyards.

The project will also use modern technology during construction to make the facility self-sufficient in water and electricity, reduce contaminated run-off and improve animal welfare.

The Wingecarribee Shire Council project is expected to include:

• Construction of a roof over the existing sales yard complex which is designed to service a 30 per cent increase in throughput; and


• Installation of electrical works, solar panelling, water harvesting and reticulation equipment.

The funding is part of our Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, which is delivering a record $1 billion for nearly 5,000 projects across the nation.

Across Australia, we are building and modernising community facilities in partnership with local governments.

The Government is partnering with local government to support the economy while building community infrastructure for the future.

The funding is conditional upon the council formalising a contract with the Government and meeting relevant conditions.