Not properly made submission (late) Leela Rottman MCU12/0184

Subject: tt bcs 1192 MCU12/0184 Submission Rottman
From: Leela Rottman
Date: 2013-08-20T07:17:09+00:00
To: Internet Mailbox Sunshine Coast Regional Council

To the Assessment Manager, 

Dear Sir/Madam,


I would like to lodge an objection to the development application, MCU12/0184, the proposed poultry farm at Top Forestry Road, in Cooroy.


I understand that I have missed the deadline for submissions, but hoped my objection will be noted due to the level of concern the proposal is generating.

I object to the poultry farm for several reasons. The number of broiler hens to be reared on this property far exceeds numbers recommended by ethicists and animals rights groups. Chickens kept in sheds in large numbers are scarcely better off than individually caged hens, as they suffer terribly from lack of fresh air, sunlight, and access to normal chicken feeding and behaviour patterns. Organic free-range farming where chickens are kept in outdoor areas where they can forage, and in smaller groups, is the direction that all Australian poultry farming should be going. In many developed nations, large-scale chicken farming is considered inhumane and is illegal. 

Large scale chicken farming also has detrimental impacts on the environment.  The area of Cooroy is within the 'Noosa Biosphere', a council initiative designed to protect the land, waterways, and wildlife from pollution, as well as promoting this area as 'clean and green' to encourage tourism. A large scale chicken farm produces waste that runs off into rivers, will wash into surrounding farms during rainy periods, and will be highly damaging to the fragile ecosystem that is already under strain from many other factors. The farm will also produce air pollution from exhaust fans, use high levels of electricity, and create noise pollution, as well as excess traffic on our roads, which are already under strain. This will also have a huge impact on tourism.

I understand that the developers intend to 'solve' part of the waste problem by spreading it on a surrounding orchard. However, many experts have pointed out that the amount of waste is too great to be spread over what is a relatively small area of trees, and excess waste is inevitable. This also does not solve any of the air, noise, or traffic pollution problems, nor address animal welfare concerns. 

In conclusion, I would be alarmed if the council approves this development. There is too much evidence showing that it's impact on the community and surrounding environment will be highly detrimental. 

Yours Faithfully, 

Leela Rottman
37 Podargus Parade, Peregian Beach

0407 115 320