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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