Not Properly Made Notice of submission - Catherine Jones (Late/Object) - MCU12/0184

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Notice of Submission


Application details:
MCU 12/0184
136 Top Forestry Rd, RIDGEWOOD OLD 4563

Proposed Poultry Farm Development

Submitter:
Catherine Jones
68 Top Forestry Rd, RIDGEWOOD OLD 4563


Submission:
Pursuant to the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, I, the undersigned, make the following submission:


I object to the proposed development at 136 Top Forestry Rd for the reasons listed below.


1. Incompatible Land Use

During the past 20 years, Council has approved the development of Cooroy West as a ’rural-residential’
area. Rural activities have declined over this period, and only low-key cattle grazing and small crops

production now occur. The establishment of a large-scale, intensive poultry farm is incompatible with the
increased residential land use.


In addition, a ’semi-industrialised’ poultry farm would be the antithesis of the niche-market, ecologically
sound food bowl image being promoted by local NGOs.


Further, the development property borders state forest containing biologically significant native vegetation
and wildlife. The Oueensland Government has stated previously that this state forest is to be reclassified
for conservation purposes. The potential land and water pollution issues associated with the proposed

poultry farm would put this public asset at risk. It would be inconsistent of Council to approve this
development proposal considering one of the basic concepts of a UNESCO biosphere reserve is to protect
areas of significant biodiversity and natural landscape values from the harmful effects of human activities.




2. Environmental Degradation
The development site is part of the Black Mountain water catchment. The steeply sloping property drains
into the north arm of Blackfella Creek, a headwater tributary of the Mary River system. Effluvial runoff and
the widespread application of chicken manure on the property will add large amounts of phosphorous and

nitrogen to the soil, ground water and creek system. Excessive nutrients are a threat to water quality and
the nearby terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.


Given that the property is extensively terraced and heavily cultivated, it is debatable whether this piece of
land has the capacity to support two, large-scale enterprises.


It would seem contradictory of Council to approve this development while financially assisting local
landholders to address land degradation problems created by over 100 years of misguided agricultural

practices.




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     3. Health Risks

     Many people have bought property in the Cooroy West area because it is clean, green and peaceful. The
     noise and noxious smells, as well as air and water pollution created by a large-scale poultry farm would

     pose significant health risks to local residents. Dealing with these problems would be expensive, time-
     consuming and distressing.

     The issue of road dust on Top Forestry Road highlights some of these pollution issues. Road dust raised by

     heavy traffic associated with the proposed development would coat water collection surfaces, homes and
     gardens. In addition to increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses, road dust would contaminate rainwater
     supplies and home-grown fruit and vegetables.

     Also of concern is the possibility of the outbreak and spread of poultry viral diseases when 250,000
     chickens are crowded into eight sheds. Given the mutability of viruses, some of these bird diseases have
     the potential to be harmful to humans.




     4. Road Safety

     Top Forestry Road is unsealed, narrow, poorly cambered and lacks shoulders. It is barely adequate for its
     current volume of traffic. The banks above and below the road are prone to subsidence, and large trucks

     already using the road cause noticeable ground vibration.

     The increased volume of heavy vehicles necessitated by the construction and servicing of the proposed

     development is beyond the road’s carrying capacity. Such traffic would threaten the safety of local drivers,
     pedestrians and horseriders. It also would increase the risk of landslips along the road and on adjacent
     properties.

     Another road safety issue is the locals’ cavalier approach to stock control. Truck drivers unfamiliar with the
     road run the risk of colliding with ’free-range’ cattle.


     5. Minimal economic benefit to the region
     It is unlikely the poultry farm would provide permanent employment opportunities given Mr Milligan’s current

     preference for hiring backpackers as casual labourers. As the chickens will be transported out of the region
     and processed elsewhere, there are other forgone employment opportunities.


     Neighbouring landholders would face the possibility of decreased property values because potential buyers
     would be deterred by the negative aspects of living near a large-scale poultry farm. For many landholders,
     their property is their only asset and any devaluation compromises their ability to sustain themselves in
     retirement.


     While it seems the development would deliver few economic benefits to the community, ratepayers would
     be expected to pay for upgrading and maintaining road access to the property. They also would be

     contributing to the government subsidies and tax rebates which the development would attract.

     6. A moral conclusion
     That an individual in pursuit of personal financial gain could adversely affect the physical, psychological and
     financial well-being of so many others is unconscionable.



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     Catherine Jones
     25 July 2013