letter to TW

2 September 2013

Dear Mr Wellington

RE:  Poultry Farm Development Application MCU12/0184

In addition to the issues raised in my NPM submission (25.07.2013) to Council, I would like to provide some background information which may seem obvious to local residents, but not so to others. Viewed individually, the matters outlined below may seem of little significance, however they do put into context and add weight to the impact issues already being canvassed.
It is important that the people involved in the assessment and decision-making processes related to this proposed development have some familiarity with area around Mr Milligan’s property. West Cooroy is not some rural outpost back of Beyond. It is a residential area less than 10 minutes drive from Cooroy Post Office.

1.  Road safety
The operation of the poultry farm will require a significant number of heavy vehicles to transport feed and chickens. The probable haul route via Cooroy and the Belli Creek Rd includes two school zones and a school bus route. It also is part of a Council designated cyclist training route which cyclists use seven days a week. In addition, it is part of a route popular with large groups of motorcyclists.

2.  Local topography and sound transmission
The topography of the area amplifies and channels sound across and along the valley between the Belli Creek Rd ridge and the Top Forestry Rd ridge. This includes the sound of vehicles on the Bruce Hwy and trains passing through Cooroy.
Mr Milligan recently advised the media that the vocalisations of his 250,000 chickens will be accompanied by music piped through their eight sheds. Has Council determined how loudly and how far these sounds will travel?
Properties on Top Forestry Rd often experience loss of electricity supply during storms (i.e. the area was without power from 26-30 January 2013). Does Mr Milligan’s application indicate the use of back-up generators during power blackouts? If so are there any restrictions on noise levels?

3.  Impacts on native wildlife
Our local and state governments tell us Koalas are at risk of local extinction. The Top Forestry Rd area is a known Koala habitat. The continued existence of this population would be threatened by not only increased road traffic, but also any habitat degradation associated with operation of the farm.
The area is also home to dingos (relocated from Fraser Is by QPWS), goannas and pythons. These native animals are known to prey on poultry when given the opportunity.  Does Mr Milligan’s application indicate how he intends dealing with protected native species he deems a threat to poultry?
Now that the Queensland Government has opened national parks to private development, state forests containing native vegetation, such as the one adjacent to the development site, will take on a greater conservation role.

Yours sincerely
Cath Jones