If they don’t, extra costs will inevitably be passed on to farmers, says Livestock and Bulk Carriers Association of NSW president, Barney Hayes.

Related story: 'Truck wash crisis'

Mr Hayes said with Goulburn having two stock sales a week, special store sales and an abattoir, it was “unheard of” not to have a truck wash open more regularly.

“I don’t know why the agents and producers aren’t on board with the carriers to put pressure on the saleyard owner,” he said.

“Producers seem not be involved and it astounds me that Southern Meats (abattoir) operates in Goulburn and doesn’t have a truck wash. They have to function in town as well.”

Carriers could not taking dirty vehicles on to properties to pick up stock. If forced to travel to Moss Vale or Crookwell to wash trucks, these costs would ultimately flow to producers, Mr Hayes said.

He blamed the problem on privatisation of saleyards. Years ago “every town” had a truck wash but with rationalisation and council offloading saleyards, private operators could simply “shut the gate” if they wished.

“The whole system has gone backwards,” he said.

“…I can’t believe Goulburn’s truck wash isn’t open 24/7.”

He believed the facilities should be mandated in abattoirs and feedlots.

Mr Hayes highlighted the fact that Harden had closed both its abattoir and saleyard but the council, acting on producers’ and carriers’ lobbying, upgraded the town’s truck wash and created an income stream.

He described Goulburn’s washing fees as among the highest in the state.

“I really feel for the local carriers,” Mr Hayes said.

“Why would you be a stock operator when you’re treated like that? You would throw your hands up and say ‘why bother?’”