Aidan Curtis
THE future of the Millicent saleyards has been decided following the Wattle Range Council meeting on Tuesday evening.
The future has been in limbo for some time, with low numbers of stock coming through, and big projects needed to bring the facility up to scratch.
At a meeting earlier this year, it was stated by council’s director of engineering services Peter Halton that the number of cattle at the saleyards had been in decline for some time, with one sale attracting less than 100.
The 12-month rolling average of cattle throughput numbers was 4,513 head per annum.
Community consultation on the matter was sought, with 257 responses received, 178 of which were from cattle owners.
Thoughts were mixed with 52 per cent of respondents voting that the Millicent Saleyards should stay open, and 48 per cent voting that it should permanently close.
The issue of the saleyards was initially bought to the fore of the meeting through a motion from Councillor Moira Neagle.
Cr Neagle moved planned upgrades to the saleyards, in compliance with SafeWork SA orders, should resume after they were paused in the January council meeting.
As part of the motion, Cr Neagle also pushed for a moratorium on saleyards decisions until June 2026.
Councillors debated the motion at length, before it was called to a vote with five councillors in favour and five against.
The deciding vote fell to Mayor Des Noll, who voted against the motion and said he had to see the bigger picture and vote in the best interests of the entire council area.
Councillor Dale Price then moved that council should make a definitive decision and vote to close the saleyards on June 30.
Cr Price said he did not want the saleyards to close, but given the declining numbers, he believed it was the pragmatic choice.
He said people have known the future of the saleyards was in their hands, but despite all the people “baying for blood” at the suggestion of closure, the words never translated into increased stock numbers.
“Talk is cheap, action is what was required,” he said.
Councillor David Walshaw backed the motion, and said talking about prolonging the life of the saleyards was like “shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic”.
After further debate, elected members voted in favour of closing the saleyards with seven for and three against.
Mr Noll said after the motion was carried that it was probably the biggest decision made on behalf of the community.
He also congratulated the chamber on their conduct and maturity throughout the debate despite it being such an emotive issue.
Council also discussed potentially organising an event to acknowledge the history of the saleyards, its importance, and to give it a fitting farewell.
