The Millicent Saleyards should immediately be closed for stock transfers and most of its infrastructure probably demolished according to the Audit and Risk Committee of Wattle Range Council.
The sub-committee met on Tuesday and it has recommended council continues to only operate the truck wash facility at the 49-year-old site.
It has also recommended that council sells the double height elevated loading ramp and any other yarding infrastructure that is yet to be installed.
The Audit and Risk Committee wants council to obtain a report regarding the cost to demolish and remove the yards, ramps, overhead gantries, saleyards office, weighbridge office, weighbridge scales and other ancillary infrastructure items that are surplus to its needs.
It has recommended further reports be provided to the council outlining future options for the saleyards’ lands and the feasibility of developing a green waste to compost facility at the existing saleyards site.
The Audit and Risk Committee had considered a written report from its chief executive Ben Gower which highlighted the physical risks to saleyards users, financial imposts and relative lack of use by the local farming community.
Mr Gower said action was also required urgently to meet the long-standing Safework SA compliance notices.
The sub-committee recommendations will now be considered at the March monthly council in Millicent on Tuesday.
