Supporters of the Millicent Saleyards repeatedly heckled the leadership of Wattle Range Council when it conducted an inspection of its facility on Tuesday afternoon.
The future of the financially-embattled saleyards has been questioned for several years but the rural sector again advocated strongly for their retention.
Ahead of the inspection, council chief executive Ben Gower was the subject of a number of highly-personal remarks by interjectors when he addressed the on-site gathering of 150 for 45 minutes.
This prompted Mayor Des Noll to intervene on a number of occasions and ask for respect to be shown.
According to Mr Gower, reports aired in the media that his council had already decided to close the saleyards were incorrect.
Nevertheless, Mr Gower said there were significant challenges facing the saleyards including the compliance requirements of Worksafe SA and the Environment Protection Authority.
He said the annual cattle throughput had slipped with the rolling average dipping to around 8000.
A number of interjectors said the rural sector paid significant rates and the saleyards generated much economic activity in the Millicent district.
There were around 135 farmers, truckies and stock agents in attendance and a 15-strong council continent comprising four senior staff and 11 elected members headed by Mayor Noll.
Council had stated on its website the previous day the inspection would be open to the public and then the “bush telegraph” – led by stock agent John Chay – went to work.
The inspection came a fortnight after Mr Gower ordered the immediate closure of the sheep transit yards owing to multiple safety concerns and effluent system irregularities.
Tuesday’s tour lasted 80 minutes and was led by Mr Gower.
He fielded questions from councillors, staff, the public and the media as the tour party inspected the cattle and sheep yards, truck wash, administration building, effluent ponds, loading ramps and weighbridge.
Only 30 of the gathering of 150 took part in the saleyards inspection.
At the conclusion of the tour, open discussions by councillors and staff were scheduled to resume in the supper room of the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre.
However, Mr Gower said many of the relevant matters had been canvassed in the previous two hours and so the informal meeting did not proceed.
Deputy Mayor and passionate saleyards supporter Councillor Moira Neagle was unable to attend the inspection.
