The Millicent Saleyards are unlikely to reach the 8500-benchmark annual throughput target set by Wattle Range Council.
This was reported to the March monthly council meeting by Councillor Kevin McGrath who has sat on the unofficial Saleyards Working Group since 2019.
He said the nature of the season and current prices had led local agents to state there would be no improvement in cattle numbers.
According to Cr McGrath, the working group felt that a $2 per head increase in yard fees would offset the anticipated decline in cattle numbers.
“The Millicent Saleyards will never cover its costs just like the roads, halls, libraries and swimming pools provided by council,” Cr McGrath said.
His remarks prompted a sharp response from Cr Dale Price.
“Those facilities are not there for others to make profits,” Cr Price said.
Deputy Mayor Cr Moira Neagle said she had also attended the recent Saleyards Working Group Meeting.
“We had fruitful discussions regarding replacement of one cattle ramp at the shed end of the yards,” Cr Neagle said.
“It is to be constructed at an angle of 120 degrees from the yards to facilitate side loading of stock trucks.
“We still need to have a discussion with truck drivers on detail to achieve the safest and most efficient design.
“There have been some lighting challenges which the council is working its way through.
“Some areas of the cattle yards will be adapted for sheep.
“The truck wash is used by drivers beyond the immediate district due to excellent water pressure.
“Agents have devised a process for Clerking functions and council no longer is required to do this.”
Meanwhile, a successful bid to keep the Millicent Saleyards operating under the control of Wattle Range Council for the foreseeable future was made by Cr Neagle.
She submitted a notice of motion to keep the saleyards operating as usual for at least another 12 months.
Last year, council passed motions making the 47-year-old facility available for sale or lease.
As Cr Neagle’s motion was passed, council will now direct its chief executive Ben Gower to defer any action in relation to these sale and lease resolutions until March 31 of next year.
“This would allow time for the establishment of the Saleyards Section 41 Committee and for the members to voice their opinions on the management of the yards and what they can do to increase cattle throughput,” Cr Neagle said.
She said having sales and lease options in play would send a mixed message.
While voting for the motion, Cr Price said he felt it was inevitable the Millicent Saleyards would eventually close.
Cr Price said one such yard had recently closed in New South Wales while the Mortlock saleyards had recently sold almost as many cattle in two days as Millicent did in 12 months.
He said Millicent was facing stiff competition from those saleyards with soft floors, roofs and on-line bidding.
