The Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets (DRLM) is one of Australia’s top three livestock saleyards and the Dubbo Regional Council is now seeking feedback for its proposed Hybrid Hub.
A hybrid hub would combine physical yards, digital trading, and integrated logistics, to make selling stock faster, simpler and easier.
“Saleyards are a major and vital link in our supply chain – they are the heartbeat of our industry,” said Anthony Boyle, Executive Director, Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA).
“Every day they connect producers, buyers, and transporters, keeping the movement of livestock and regional trade alive. Innovation and upgrades for the future are something we must be part of, and right now Dubbo is leading the way.”
Boyle said DRLM is a cornerstone of regional logistics, explaining that the first phase will include a Dubbo Heavy Vehicle Wellbeing Centre – a project that directly responds to long-standing issues around fatigue management, rest facilities, and driver welfare.
This new centre will provide:
- Clean, separate amenities (showers, toilets, kitchen, laundry, and lounge)
- Sealed and marked parking for up to 80 B-triples
- Office space, mental health support, and integration with truck wash and biosecurity infrastructure
“Between 400–900 livestock truck trips move through or around Dubbo each day, making it a natural anchor point for improved driver facilities and animal welfare compliance,” added Boyle.
“In our discussions with Council, ALRTA has strongly reinforced that livestock centres must consider rural transport as a whole. Facilities need to cater for livestock carriers, bulk tippers, and mixed-freight operators alike. That means truck wash and treatment systems should be designed to handle multiple product types safely and efficiently.
“Livestock and grain sectors share the same roads, drivers, and regional infrastructure – and it’s time our facilities reflect that integration. We have also asked them to consider vehicles will get longer.
“Some features they are considering for the operation of the yards and how they will modernise selling systems to present livestock for transport faster is impressive.”
Boyle continued, “This discussion is really about the future of saleyards in Australia in general, not just Dubbo, and we are thankful they have included us in the discussion and put our industry at the forefront of its operations. The recent Saleyards Australia conference in Wagga Wagga was evident of how well the saleyard industry respect carriers, and it is vital we have constructive input and support the project Dubbo is launching.”
Dubbo Regional Council is now seeking feedback for the project. To have your say, access the online survey here.