The long-idle Narromine Saleyards could soon take on a new lease of life, with Narromine Shire Council placing a draft Saleyards Master Plan and Strategy on public exhibition.

The plan, endorsed at the Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 13 August, lays out a staged redevelopment designed to turn the disused site into a modern, multi-purpose precinct.

Once a busy hub for the region’s livestock trade, the saleyards on Manildra Street have fallen into disrepair in recent years as the livestock industry shifted to other venues.

Ageing fences and panels now stand unused, and the land has become difficult to maintain.

Council says it is determined to repurpose the site in a way that supports both industry and the community.

“At one stage the saleyards could cater for 50,000 sheep,” Narromine Shire Council Mayor, Ewen Jones said.

“Originally it was run by council and then later by private enterprise but in recent years it’s become a bit of an eyesore.”

The draft strategy proposes converting the saleyards into a dedicated truck parking and rest area, complete with stormwater management infrastructure and expanded light-vehicle parking to benefit nearby schools.

Council is also exploring improved pedestrian connections between the precinct and local businesses, including safer footpaths and crossings.

“The saleyards site has served this community well in the past, but its time to make changes,” Cr Jones said.

Narromine Shire Council Mayor, Ewen Jones, said the upgrade of the long unused saleyards, would be of benefit to the shire.

“We want to create facilities that improve safety and support our transport industry.

"The nearby school is also growing and needing more space.”

The redevelopment would take place in three stages.

The first involves clearing redundant infrastructure, with salvageable items offered for sale or recycling.

The second phase focuses on detailed design, including consultation with truck operators, local schools, and residents, as well as securing funding opportunities through state and federal programs.

The final stage would see construction of the truck parking facility, a stormwater catchment basin, and new parking areas.

Environmental sustainability is a key feature of the proposal.

The stormwater basin is envisioned not only as a functional drainage system but also as a landscaped wetland, boosting biodiversity and reducing run-off impacts.

Council is also considering solar lighting and CCTV to improve safety while minimising energy use.

“We will dismantle the yards and refurbish the area which will help with the drainage issue,” Cr Jones said.

While the focus is firmly on the future, the plan acknowledges the saleyards’ history.

Some stockyards on the eastern side will be retained for potential emergency use, and a plaque with an aerial photo and historical information will be installed.

The new parking area is expected to carry a name that reflects the site’s past, with “Saleyards Parking Bay” one option under consideration.

The draft Master Plan is now open for public comment until Tuesday, 16 September.

Community members are encouraged to review the document and make submissions via Council’s website or by writing to the General Manager.

“This is about building something that will last and benefit Narromine well into the future,” Cr Jones said.

“While we are not expecting any negativity toward our plans, the public exhibition means everyone can have their say and put their viewpoints forward.”

If adopted, the redevelopment promises to turn what is now an under-utilised block into a facility that balances industry, community, and environment, transforming the once-bustling saleyards into a new point of pride for the town.