Traffic Engineering Report dated 31 July 2014 W D Milligan

4.0      PROPOSED OPERATIONS

4.1      DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
The proposed poultry farm is intended to provide a growing operation under contract with one of
the major suppliers of chicken, Ingham. The proposal is for the development of 8 poultry growing
sheds with an overall Floor Area or approximately 13,695m2. From our own discussions with key
contract management personnel from Ingham, we understand that as a result of new guidelines
negotiated with the RSPCA the bird densities are being further reduced from previously
contemplated densities. The current proposal is for a stocking density of 16.7 birds per square
metre which will result in an ultimate capacity in the order of 230,000 birds.
The sheds are proposed to be 100 to 130 metres long by 16.0 to 16.5 metres wide aligned along
the ridgelines through the site.
While we have held numerous discussions with the development proponent, to gain a clear
understanding of their intended operation we have also, through interviews with another
experienced existing long term “grower” and with a senior member of the Ingham organisation
who manages existing contracts with growers.
Through our investigations we have gained an understanding that the growth cycle and the
management of same is well controlled and managed via Ingham, including supply of birds, feed
and ultimately collection of the live birds for market. From our own discussions with Ingham
representatives we understand that the growth cycle is very controlled down to the specifics of
the collection process and the “age of the birds” at the time of collection. We understand that the
entire batch cycle is limited to 63 days (9 weeks).
It is proposed to construct poultry growing sheds on the subject site as a two stage development.
Stage 1 of the development will comprise five sheds (Shed 1 to Shed 5), with the further three
sheds (Shed 6 to Shed 8) to be constructed as Stage 2 of the development.


4.2      POULTRY FARM OPERATIONS
The proposed development is for a commercial poultry farm, whereby the operators will grow
chickens from one day old through to two target weights when collection takes place. The overall
process takes place over a 63 days (9 weeks) cycle, which includes every aspect of the process,
including cleaning and preparation of the facilities for the next cycle. As a result of these
timeframes, 5.8 cycles or batches are expected to occur every year.
A summary of the general timeframes for the chick delivery, bird growth, bird collection, and
cleaning and preparation stages is shown in Figure 4-1.




 Ref: B14101TR001_Final                      - 10 -   Proposed Poultry Farm – 136 Top Forestry Rd, Ridgewood