Australia-Changes in cattle market ownership.

AUSTRALIA-BIG CHANGES IN THE NATIONS CATTLE MARKETS.

Landmark has taken a 50 per cent shareholding in Regional Infrastructure, the firm behind the development of major new saleyards around the country.

Regional Infrastructure describes itself as a business development and asset management company, but it is best known for building the Central Tablelands Livestock Exchange at Carcoar, NSW.

The industry-leading saleyard facility is owned by Palisade’s Regional Infrastructure Fund.

Landmark general manager, Graeme Jacobs, said the investment in RIPL ensures that Landmark "stays at the forefront of the evolution of Australian livestock saleyards and cements Landmark’s position as one of Australia’s leading livestock companies".

"RIPL has demonstrated through the state-of-the-art facility at Carcoar that modern, safe saleyards provide significant benefits to sellers, buyers, agents, transport providers and substantially improve animal welfare.

"Landmark is of the opinion that many saleyards across Australia require upgrading due to safety issues and a lack of modern infrastructure.

"Landmark is committed to the growth of the Australian livestock industry and providing a safe working environment for its employees, a commitment emphasised by our investment in RIPL."

RIPL also operates and maintains services for the Northern Victoria Livestock Exchange (NVLX) at Wodonga, and shortly will provide the same services at the Tamworth saleyard.

Palisade’s Regional Infrastructure Fund is looking to redevelop both these facilities in the near future as part of its ongoing investment program, according to PRIF chairman and former Deputy Prime Minister, Mark Vaile.

"I believe it is vital that we support and encourage investment by the private sector and wholesale funds into infrastructure in regional Australia," Mr Vaile said.