A NEW security system will be installed at the Glenburnie Saleyards following the upgrade receiving the green light from elected members this week.
The decision follows two incidents where thousands of dollars in livestock were removed from the facility without authorisation.
Councillors have approved a $14,000 capital expenditure for the security upgrade, which is likely to include an extensive new surveillance system.
The problems with the facility’s security measures were thrown into the spotlight after 55 steers – worth around $70,000 – went missing late last year.
The incident is being investigated by police after the stock were discovered interstate.
Revelations have also emerged that a livestock transport operator also mistakenly took the wrong pen of cattle out of the yards.
While the cattle were recovered in both matters, these incidents have highlighted the need for a new security system given more than $100m worth of livestock flow through the facility annually.
Speaking at the meeting, council chief executive officer David Singe said the measures followed questions from elected members and these two specific incidents.
He said quotations for the replacement of the security system had already been undertaken by council staff.
Mayor Richard Sage told the chamber the security needed to be upgraded.
During debate on the issue, Cr Megan Dukalskis questioned whether the new system would include “remote monitoring”.
After some discussion, the need to investigate remote monitoring formed part of the recommendation passed by elected members.
Cr Barry Kuhl – who initially raised concerns over the saleyard’s problematic security system – said number plate recognition set up at both gates would be among the features explored for the new system.
“If you have a camera set up at both gates we can take photographs of vehicles coming in and exiting,” Cr Kuhl said.
Council officials held a meeting with the Combined Agents Group over the proposed security upgrade following the issue being highlighted in The Border Watch.
In a statement released earlier this month, Mr Sage acknowledged that technology had evolved since the security system was installed more than 15 years ago and a security review was needed.
“The saleyards is a vital economic asset to the region and facilitate an enormous amount of livestock throughput annually,” Mr Sage said.
“Council has taken this matter very seriously and is committed to working with stakeholders at the saleyards to ensure the facility is delivering a strong service and infrastructure that meeting the needs of patrons.”
Mr Sage has also formally requested that Mr Singe prepare a full written report on the thefts from the saleyards and the actions taken by him and staff.
Moreover, the mayor has requested details surrounding the actions the CEO had taken in relation to the staff and this matter since.
This report is expected to be tabled at council’s next meeting.
