Lobbying Mayor prior to Ordinary Meeting - Kim Barnes - MCU12/0184

Subject: 1799 dw Reference No: MCU12/0184 - Objection to West Cooroy Broiler Farm
From: Kim Barnes
Date: 2013-11-12T05:50:24+00:00
To: Internet Mailbox Sunshine Coast Regional Council

1229 Cooroy Belli Ck Rd Ridgewood 4563     November 12, 2013

Dear Councillor Jamieson

I am writing in relation to the proposed broiler farm in Top Forest Rd, Cooroy. I am a local resident and my husband and I farm beef cattle. I am an academic and my field is education with a particular interest in the environment. I am also a grandmother.

I am concerned about the proposed broiler in Top Forest Rd for a number of reasons but will focus on two only here. My husband and I have worked hard to improve water quality and the diversity of plant and fauna species on our property. Our concern is that the run off from the broiler farm will negatively impact on the work that we have achieved to date. 

However, I am even more concerned about additional traffic hazards on the Cooroy Belli Ck Rd that will result from the activities of the broiler farm. Cooroy Belli Ck Rd is already hazardous. It is narrow and has tight bends. Sadly, one young girl recently lost her life on a bend in the road. At night wildlife cross the road which exacerbates the already dangerous conditions. Cyclists and motor cyclists also use the road for recreational purposes. Unfortunately, not everyone drives appropriately on the road. Speeding is a big issue.

I have three very small grandchildren and I drive them along the Cooroy Belli Ck Rd many times each week. I have serious concerns about their safety on the road if, on top of the already hazardous conditions, I am also faced with additional trucks. These trucks will enter Cooroy Belli Ck Rd on a virtual blind bend. Combine this activity with the existing speeding that already occurs and I sincerely believe very serious accidents will result. It is my belief that the Cooroy Belli Ck Rd is not suited to this type of traffic.

I hope you will take my concerns into consideration when making decisions about the current broiler farm proposal.

Thank you,

Dr Kim Barnes