There has been an 11th hour bid to stop Wattle Range Council from shutting its Millicent saleyards on Friday – June 30.

The “stay of execution” has been sought by councillors Sharon Cox, Dennis Muhovics and Moira Neagle.

They have successfully petitioned Wattle Range Council to hold a special meeting in Millicent at 6.30pm on the previous night (Thursday, June 29).

The trio is looking to rescind last week’s decision to close the Millicent saleyards on June 30 which passed seven votes to three.

Furthermore, Cr Neagle has submitted a notice of motion for some of the functions of the saleyards to continue, other than as a selling centre.

If her motion is endorsed, council would recommit spending to meet the Safework SA requirements.

Council would also keep operating the truck wash, effluent treatment management system and the toilet and shower facilities.

The temporary holding of cattle-in-transit at the saleyards would also continue.

Speaking to The SE Voice, Cr Neagle said she was hopeful of getting the backing of the council to keep the truck wash operational.

“We are prepared to sacrifice the Millicent saleyards as a selling centre for the sake of the continued operation of the truck wash,” Cr Neagle said.

“The truck wash is a fundamental biosecurity issue for our agricultural industries.

“Council should also be allowing cattle in transit at the saleyards as a service to the community.

“There are some small-scale cattle producers who do not have cattle loading ramps on their properties.

“They can bring their cattle into Millicent on trailers as they look to make up a load.”

Cr Neagle would like to see a large number of onlookers in the public gallery on Thursday night to witness the saleyards debate.