THE writing was on the wall for the Millicent saleyards yet again this week, but its future has been secured with all but two councillors agreeing to keep it operational, with no end-date stipulated.
The council-owned facility faced permanent closure after its future was first questioned in 2018 but extensions - the most recent of which was scheduled to cease in June - helped keep the saleyards' supporters hopeful it would remain open.
The decision made at Tuesday night's council meeting was welcomed by Wattle Range Council chief executive officer Ben Gower.
"We now have an open-ended future for the saleyards - extensions were making it hard to invest in its future and infrastructure," Mr Gower said.
"A long-term financial and asset plan can be made for the facility but it is still dependent on cattle throughput and how the cattle community patronises the saleyards," he said.
But, a list of "triggers" that would cause the facility's future to be reviewed once again were outlined at the meeting.
Mr Gower said a threshold of 8500 cattle a year would need to be maintained to ensure viable throughput.
"This figure gives the community a clear key performance indicator to keep the saleyards running," he said.
"Numbers are at 10,500 so we are confident it will be achieved."
South East livestock agent John Chay said he was pleased the facility would remain open, but believed the community had "won the battle but not the war".
"I do believe we can meet the throughput numbers, but if major infrastructure improvement costs exceed the amount council can budget for, then it will jeopardise the saleyards," he said.
"If we need half a million dollars to meet industry regulations, it will most likely close.
"But as it stands, we do not have any protocol issues with the cattle."
Mr Chay also said a potential rise in fees for selling agents had been considered by council.
"Everyone is giving it their all to keep the saleyards open - so I hope this does not eventuate," he said.
Millicent cattleman and partner of Wattle Range Council councillor Moira Neagle, John Mullins, said a long-term plan would increase the complex's popularity among producers.
"The change in production has put the facility in good stead. Grassfed cattle demand is increasing and it should play a greater role in marketing those cattle through the saleyard," he said.
"Long-time buyers also consider vealers in November to March to be the best in southern Australia - that is something to hold onto."
Council will set a budget for the saleyards in June.
- Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Sign up here to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.