Council Approves New Poultry Complex in New South Wales
AUSTRALIA - The regional council in Manilla has approved the development of 70 broiler chicken sheds housing close to three million birds in the north of New South Wales.The Manilla Baiada proposal was unanimously supported by the Tamworth Regional Council, despite several members of the public speaking in opposition to the project, reported ABC Rural last week.
Robyn Skelton is a member of the Namoi River Community Group which opposes the development.
Ms Skelton says she cannot access her farm without driving through the property where the sheds will be located and she fears heavy vehicle traffic on country roads and dust, and difficulties about quarantine should a disease outbreak occur at the farm.
A Tamworth Regional Councillor has defended the decision.
Speculation the council has been influenced by the eventual need for a new processing plant to deal with the increase in birds has been dismissed by Councillor James Treloar.
He says the community has the right to appeal the decision at other levels but expects the council's choice to stand.
In a statement to ABC Rural, Baiada spokesman, John Vassallo, wrote: "Baiada is pleased that Tamworth Council have voted unanimously to support our growth and investment in the region," he said.
"The approval of the Strathfield farms will create much needed new jobs for Manilla and play an important role in underpinning our long term commitment to the Tamworth region.
"We look forward to working with all stakeholders in delivering this substantial and important investment."