Not properly made submission (late) M D'Addario & A Kadacik MCU12/0184

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     And yes we are emotional about this situation. You have our quality of life, our
     nature, and the intrinsic value of the area, which we care for so passionately, in
     your hands.

     The number one issue affecting many people in the general community is chronic stress.
     Research shows it is the greatest contributor to health issues. You just have to look at the
     emotional and physical harm done to people who were part of the Traveston Dam tragedy
     to see the very real effects of distress and stress relating to the threat of losing a place of
     natural beauty that is known as home.


     Currently, as residents of Ridgewood, we feel safe to ride our horses, bikes and walk our
     dogs on our local rural roads and we have a bus stop that sees many children picked up
     and dropped off every morning and afternoon.


     This sense of safety, freedom and connection to our local countryside is an
     integral part of our rural community lifestyle. It contributes to our wellbeing. It
     contributes to our sense of social connection and interaction with our
     environment and neighbours. It is a ’way of being’ that ought to be repeated
     not deleted.


     However, with the applicant’s proposal, our narrow little country roads would see semi
     trailers hurtling along them, turning tight corners, along with an expected increase in
     traffic to and from the applicant’s property of additional poultry farm staff and associated
     services.


     It puts us all at greater risk and creates danger, fear, stress and restriction, where there
     has been safety, freedom and tranquility.


     We are most concerned at the lack of public cpnsultation with a proposal that obviously
     has far reaching ramifications for not only Ridgewood residents but the broader
     Community.

     We are very disappointed that there has been little consideration regarding how such a
     proposal could impact on surrounding homes and residential businesses in the area. The
     value of properties in Ridgewood is reflected significantly in the sustainable and attractive
     natural qualities of the area. Losing these qualities will see the value of surrounding
     properties affected.

     Changing the status of a large property from low impact to high intensive farming, when it
     is so close to many surrounding low impact properties that it will negatively effect, is to
     render the status of all those surrounding properties meaningless. And it sets a
     precedence for other low impact areas to be re-assessed for intensive farming and
     ultimately abandoned as Land for Wildlife.

     Why would Council consider agreeing to such an outcome in an era of sustainability and
     protection? Why would you consider agreeing to a scenario that can tear down the hard
     work members of your community have worked so tirelessly to create with your support?

     The majority of Ridgewood residents are an example of ordinary people successfully
     improving and caring for our environment. We ought to be applauded and supported for
     that, not overlooked and disregarded.