THE possible privatisation of the Millicent Saleyards is being explored by Wattle Range Council.
Staff have been directed to prepare a report on the concept of either a consortium or a private buyer to operate the facility.
The green light for such a report was given when council held its February monthly meeting in Millicent on Tuesday.
Cr John Drew moved the successful motion to commission a privatisation report and said it was a response to the council-sponsored saleyards forum attended by 180 in Millicent on January 31.
Cr Drew said there several issues were raised at the forum.
He said council should signal its support for a possible consortium operation as was suggested at the forum.
According to Cr Drew, the staff report should state how council could achieve this.
He said these actions would not cancel out last month’s motion which stated the saleyards would close in July, 2020 unless a realistic financial solution could be found.
Mayor Des Noll OAM described Cr Drew’s motion as “solid and strategic”, while it was welcomed by Cr Dale Price.
He said the financial problems of the saleyards were due to a lack of numbers.
“Agents and producers have to take ownership and step up to the plate,” Cr Price said.
“Whether having more stock would make the saleyards profitable is another question.”
Development services director Steve Chapple said staff were working on matters arising from the saleyards forum.
Mr Chapple said staff had spoken to the two forum attendees who had suggested a consortium model of management.
He had privately circulated to councillors seven letters which related to the saleyards as well as notes about the forum which had been taken by two staff members.
“There are nine people who are interested in being on a stakeholder group,” Mr Chapple said.
“We have also had meetings with two other groups who are interested in doing other activities at the saleyards.”
Between the 1880s and the 1970s, the operation of Millicent sheep and cattle yards and sales had been the domain of agents and other private interests.
