A NEW committee has been formed to advise Wattle Range Council on the operational management and long-term planning of the Millicent saleyards.
To be made up of representatives of stock agents, vendors, carriers, stock contractors and elected members of council, the committee came into being following a motion successfully put to council’s meeting last month by Deputy Mayor, Moira Neagle.
During debate on the motion, Cr Neagle said the committee would be in line with the $689,000 commitment that was made by council in December to fund immediate maintenance needs at the saleyards.
“To have a formal forum would make the best use of the funds and guide the maintenance of our saleyards,” Cr Neagle said.
Cr Neagle also attempted to move a motion to include a statement, that outlines the ongoing provision of the saleyards asset for community use, in the Wattle Range Council Strategic Plan with an appropriate allocation of funds for its maintenance and renewal in the long-term financial plan.
However, Cr Neagle withdrew her motion as it was considered inappropriate to commit future councils to funding, with Council elections due this November.
“I would prefer to have a long term commitment to the saleyards and that is the problem that there has not been a commitment,” she said.
Cr Dale Price said the issue with the saleyards has been the reducing number of cattle being sold at the Millicent saleyards.
“People are voting with their feet and sending stock elsewhere,” he said.
“But I think that the Section 41 committee will be useful for getting advice flowing both ways.”
