Watched by a public gallery numbering 90, Wattle Range Council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to extend a financial lifeline worth $700,000 to its financially-embattled Millicent Saleyards.
The funding means the saleyards have staved off closure yet again after their future has repeatedly been at the crossroads in recent years.
The vote at the special council meeting at the Millicent RSL Hall followed two hours of public submissions and orderly debate.
The rural and business sectors were well represented with a small number of interjections promptly brought to order by Mayor Des Noll.
The funds will be applied to numerous safety-related infrastructure upgrades as demanded in compliance notices issued by regulator Safework SA.
Council had already allocated $550,000 in infrastructure upgrades in this financial year and staff anticipate the 46-year-old facility will incur a $250,000 loss in 2021/22.
The “financial lifeline” decision was taken after lengthy contributions from some elected members present as well as delegations from local stakeholders.
Councillors also considered a lengthy report from chief executive Ben Gower which detailed the requisite infrastructure upgrades, declining cattle throughput and other financial challenges.
Written submissions were lodged by Chris Sims, Anita Brojatsch, David Loxton, Kathleen and Bevan Staude, Gavin and Sandy Bell, Garth and Shirley Huppatz, John Chay, Mark Hodgens, Rob and Kaye White, Mick Brennan, Phil Chambers, Tim Moyle, Bev Copping, Brian and Pat Kain, Ian and Christine Baker, Joan Lucas, John Mullins, Kym Sullivan, Leon and Helen Slape, Ron Wood, Peter and Anne Bateman and Robbie Bateman. All submissions were in favour of keeping the saleyards open.
Representing the Millicent Business Community Association, chairperson Lee Morgan said a survey of its 100 members had revealed unanimous support for the saleyards.
Deputy chairperson Fiona Telfer said closing the yards would send the wrong signal to investors.
Millicent farmer Sam Croser asked those present to stand if they were to be financially disadvantaged if the saleyards closed and almost the entire room got to their feet.
The verbal submission from Rendelsham farmers Garth and Shirley Huppatz highlighted the mental health benefits provided by the saleyards.
Farmers and saleyards contractors Gavin and Sandy Bell pointed to the saleyards sign which read “bred here: sold here”.
The motion to allocate the $700,000 for infrastructure upgrades was moved by Cr Moira Neagle and seconded by Cr Deb Agnew.
Cr Peter Dunnicliff queried whether the full $700,000 was needed while Cr Sharon Cox questioned the availability of government grants.
Cr Dean Burrow said there was no support for the saleyards in his Penola-based Riddoch ward.
A further motion from Cr John Drew allows the possibility of council leasing the saleyards.
Cr Dunnicliff made one of the last speeches of the 2.5-hour meeting in which he said the saleyards issue had created vitriol and personal abuse and apologies were owed to councillors.
The future of the saleyards was the sole agenda item at the special council meeting.
A fortnight earlier, there was a gathering of 150 at the Millicent saleyards for an informal council inspection of the facility led by Mr Gower.
Councillor Graham Slarks submitted an apology to the meeting on Tuesday.
The SE Voice was given special permission to photograph proceedings.
