Not properly made submission (late) Dr Kim Barnes & Mr Richard Barnes MCU12/0184

Subject: col bcs 1192 MCU 12/0184 submission Dr Kim Barnes and Mr Richard Barnes
From: Jack Lewis
Date: 2013-08-26T23:52:35+00:00
To: Internet Mailbox Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Please record as a submission against MCU12/0184.

 

Jack Lewis | Development Planner
Planning Assessment Branch - North I Tewantin Office
Regional Strategy & Planning I Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Phone: (07) 5449 5183
Email: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> 
Mail: Locked Bag 72, Sunshine Coast Mail Centre, Qld 4560 

 

From: Dick Barnes [mailto:[email protected]] 
Sent: Monday, 26 August 2013 10:49 PM
To: Jack Lewis
Subject: Ref: MCU 12/0184

 

Dear Mr Lewis,

 

Having just returned from overseas, we were very distressed to find that the Top Forestry Rd broiler farm proposal has moved along without the full knowledge of the local community. 

 

We have a 570 acre property just 2km downstream from the proposed broiler farm development. We object to the application on many grounds as it brings an inappropriate intensive poultry operation to the proposed site.

 

Our main objections are as follows:-

 

1.POLLUTION 

 In our high rainfall area, the risk of pollutants getting into our very environmentally valuable waterways must be very high given the proposed waste application on the steep slopes. Avocado trees require good drainage adding to the risks.

 

Our property includes parts of Blackfellow Creek North and South as they exit from the State Forest. We have taken every precaution to establish a sustainable pasture fed beef operation alongside extensive protection of the many waterways and ecologically valuable areas. This has included riparian boundaries, extensive fencing for rotational grazing, off stream watering, re-vegetation, and the replacement of many creek crossings with a limited number of approved concrete crossings. 

 

We have undertaken a great deal of work both using our own labour and expense to ensure we do as much as possible to protect and enhance the waterways.

 

As this catchment feeds Belli Creek and on to the Mary River, any pollution can go on to endanger the Great Barrier Reef and also threaten the rare species in these waterways. Because of this and for other environmental reasons, we have received extensive grants totaling over $200,000 to protect the habitats and waterways. These include grants from the Ecofund, Sunshine Coast Council, BMRG, MRCCC, Healthy Habitats, Reef Rescue, Carbon Farming, Biodiversity Fund etc. For many of these we have more than matched the grant money with our own cash and work in kind.

 

Our efforts have often been offered as an example of best practice in this area.

 

In summary, there is a high risk that the proposed application will lead to downstream pollution and undo the extensive good works that many of us have put in place.

 

Blackfellow Creek is the recorded habitat of the endangered Cascade treefrog (Litoria pearsoniana) and vulnerable Tusked frog (Adelotus brevis). The endangered Giant barred frog (Mixophyes iteratus)  is reported in many Mary River tributaries and is likely present here.

 

Given the high risk and valuable bio-diversity, it is not enough to just monitor the water quality. If the factory farm starts and then we find pollution it will be too late.

 

2. TRAFFIC

 

The local roadways are very inappropriate for the proposed traffic without very extensive and expensive improvements. Top Forestry Road would have to be sealed at the applicant's expense. There is already a poor safety record on it including some fatalities. A "cycle training" warning sign has now been put up on the Cooroy-Belli Creek Road adding to the risks. 

 

Also, we do not believe all the waste will be used on the trees as the application levels could be excessive. If the surplus is sold for profit or trucked out, it will add heavily to the lorry load. If it is stored on site it adds to the pollution risks.

 

 

3. LOCAL BENEFIT

 

There is no real economic value to the community and many downsides generally. Properly sited close to a main road on the flat it might make sense but not where it is proposed. Many residents have purchased property in this area because of the absence of such intensive production activities and feel very concerned that such an application is even being considered.

 

In summary, we believe this is an environmentally unsound proposition that brings little local benefit and which will add significantly to the local environmental and traffic hazards.

 

 

We would appreciate acknowledgement of this objection to application MCU 12/0184.

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Dr Kim Barnes and Mr Richard Barnes

Bellbird Homestead

1229 Cooroy Belli Creek Road

Ridgewood, QLD 4563