DISCUSSIONS over two incidents over missing stock at the Glenburnie Saleyards were held behind closed doors at Grant District Council’s meeting earlier this week.
Councillors voted to have the matter discussed in confidence, despite the matter being on the public section of the agenda.
This follows Grant District Mayor Richard Sage last month requesting a “full written report” on these incidents from chief executive officer David Singe.
The request included details regarding the actions of Mr Singe in relation to these matters, including staff.
Following the two incidents, council has authorised a $14,000 upgrade of the security system at the livestock exchange.
According to details tabled in the agenda, council was alerted of the issue on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Council received notification that a load of cattle was unable to be located.
But by 10am that day the cattle were located and arrangements were made for weighing at the Hamilton Saleyards, before they were transported to Queensland.
Mr Singe said no further details could be discussed openly due to it being a “police matter”.
The second incident occurred on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, when stock was purchased but the stock agent could not locate the animals the following day.
Council staff discovered there had been two pens with the same number of cattle from the sale on Wednesday.
The transport operator had collected cattle from the wrong pen and stock agents have now addressed the matter.
At this week’s meeting, deputy mayor Cr Gill Clayfield moved the matter should be dealt with in confidence.
Adding to discussions in open council, Cr Jody Elliott said councillors needed to make it “very clear” what they wanted to see in the report.
It is understood a full report has yet to be released to elected members.
