Modella and Catani residents came together to discuss their plan of attack. Front: Deb Ryburn, Neil Ryburn, Ron McAusland (from Catani), Gary
By Melissa Meehan
Spokesperson for residents against the proposal Deb Ryburn said the group wasn’t against the broiler industry – but opposed it locating in areas that were inappropriate.
“We saw the proposed site covered in deep water after the last big rains, waters backed up and land around here became an inland lake,” Ms Ryburn said.
“To build anything there, let alone a nutrient and chemical intensive facility such as is proposed would be a serious environmental mistake.”
She said the proposed location of the sheds, waste storage shed and water storage dam represented a serious risk in terms of flooding and said the initial approval by Melbourne Water was based on a desktop view and didn’t take in local knowledge, photographic knowledge or the endangered species living there.
“All of us, residents, Melbourne Water, Southern Rural Water, Baw Baw Shire Council, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the broiler industry have the responsibility to protect this species and the waters that flow in the Ramsar protected Western Port Bay,” she said.
“Any slight chance of contamination and harm would be too much.”
Baw Baw Shire Director of Growth and Development Melissa Harris said the application would be assessed under the Victorian Code for Broiler Farms 2009, together with relevant zones, overlays and relevant state and local planning policies of the Baw Baw Planning Scheme.
She said the application had been referred externally to Melbourne Water, Southern Rural Water, the Environment Protection Authority and Department Primary Industries for comment.
“There is to be a public information meeting scheduled during the month of September where objectors will be able to ask any questions or make any points prior to the decision on the application being made,” Ms Harris said.
“Written objections can be made up until a decision on the application has been made.
“The matter will be decided at a council meeting in the coming months, once all public consultation has been undertaken.”
