Truckers like Katanning plan

The transport industry has welcomed a draft concept plan launched last week for new sheep saleyards in Katanning.

The saleyards are part of a Barnett Government election promise that allocated $17 million in December towards construction.

The draft concept plan includes a controlled gate entrance, six sets of unloading ramps and loading out ramps as well as ramps for small trucks and utes.

All selling pens and most holding pens will be undercover and one million litres of fresh water captured from the roof will be stored allowing the saleyards to be self-sufficient.

There is also room for more undercover selling pens if needed.

Parking provisions include 20 bays for road trains and 100 cars as well as a drive-through four-bay truck wash to accommodate road trains.

No effluent will leave the site. It will be processed in a silt trap, mechanical filter, two anaerobic ponds, an aerobic pond and evaporation dam.

Shire of Katanning chief executive Dean Taylor said the first stage was to get feedback from the transport industry, which is integral to getting the design right and all users of the saleyards will be consulted throughout the design process.

“It’s important everyone is included and have a say. We want to do it right,” Mr Taylor said.

Livestock and Rural Transport Association of WA member Jeff Miotti said that at this stage, it was happy with the draft plan.

“The shire has been good with its meetings and has listened,” Mr Miotti said.

“The new design looks like it will be a lot better for livestock and will also make it more efficient when unloading,” Mr Miotti said.

The transport operator said the industry needed to be kept in the mix and part of any changes to design.

Feedback from the draft plan will be incorporated ahead of detailed designs.

Construction is scheduled to start July 1 and open in January, 2013 subject to Department of Environment and Conservation and works approvals.