Bairnsdale Engineering supplied and installed a large-scale custom-designed roof structure at the Sale Livestock Exchange for the Wellington Shire Council. Covering approximately 5,700 square metres, the structure provides extensive weather protection while maintaining the open, well-ventilated environment required for livestock sale operations.

A key feature of the design is the raised centre gable section, which promotes natural airflow through the building. This ventilation is particularly important on busy sale days when large numbers of livestock and people are present, helping maintain comfortable conditions for customers and staff and supporting animal welfare.

To maximise daylight inside the structure, the roof incorporates 13 full-length skylight panels, allowing natural light to filter through the building and reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime operations.

The project presented several construction challenges, primarily due to the need to work around and over existing saleyard infrastructure while maintaining safe and efficient operations on site. Careful planning and coordination allowed the team to successfully complete the project on schedule and within budget, despite these complexities.

Since delivering this project, Bairnsdale Engineering has continued refining its structural designs and has increasingly incorporated universal beam rafters into similar buildings. This approach provides strong, clean roof framing while significantly reducing bird roosting opportunities, helping minimise maintenance requirements and improving overall hygiene within livestock facilities.

The completed structure provides the Sale Livestock Exchange with a durable, practical roofing solution that enhances the functionality of the facility and supports efficient livestock handling for years to come.