Singleton Council faces backlash for leasing a $7M livestock facility for $8K/year, risking up to $100K in lost revenue.

Singleton Council is under scrutiny for leasing its $7 million Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange to Regional Livestock Exchanges for $8,000 annually, with councillor Peree Watson calling the deal a "dud" that costs ratepayers up to $100,000 in lost revenue. Despite the facility handling over 41,000 livestock yearly and receiving millions in state grants, the council reported no capital spending in five years and minimal operational costs. Officials defend the 2018 lease as necessary for stability, safety, and job preservation, but the council’s $773,000 fiscal deficit has intensified calls for financial accountability.