March 3, 2026
South Burnett Regional Council officially opened major upgrades at the Council-owned Coolabunia Saleyards last Thursday morning.
More of the old wooden catwalks have been now been replaced with steel; and safety upgrades and painting have been undertaken at the administration building.
New holding yards have also been built with a redesigned system to ensure cattle move through the complex more easily.
The project, funded through Council’s 2025-26 Capital Works budget, cost about $285,000.
A Council spokesperson said the upgrades focussed on safety and animal welfare as well as the general appearance of the facility.
“Council also recognises that this facility is a necessity for our rural community not just as a selling/buying or biosecurity complex but more importantly a vital hub bringing people together,” the spokesperson said.
“This social aspect is particularly important to Council in maintaining the fabric of our rural community.”
Mayor Kathy Duff said the saleyards were also significant when the flow-on affects were considered across the region: “the livestock agents, the transport operators, the farmers who grow crops and hay, the agribusinesses and those who simply depend on the saleyards as an outlet to market their cattle”.
South Burnett Regional Council has been investing in the saleyards in recent years after debates about its future in 2020 led to the formation of a council / industry working group to prepare an action plan.
Last year, a security fence was installed around the perimeter of the saleyards, the truck wash was extended and double loading ramps were modified to meet workplace, health and safety requirements.
Other recent improvements include 10 new catwalks (2024), new pens (2023) and water troughs and splityard gates (2022).
More upgrades are planned at the facility over the next few years.
- For tick inspections or dipping bookings, contact the Coolabunia Saleyards officer on 0418-477-096.
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