Bird broiler before tribunbal again

A PROPOSED broiler farm in Modella could be heading back to VCAT for a third time. Baw Baw Shire councillors rejected a new proposal for a poultry farm in Modella at last Wednesday’s council meeting, after the same applicant, Ballywarra Farms, was defeated at Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) last year.
A 400,000 bird broiler farm and managers dwelling was included in the new proposal.
Ballywarra Farms made the new application with the farm facing North Yannathan Road after the original application, with the farm facing Chamber Road, was determined to be unfeasible for heavy vehicle traffic.The proposal was approved by Baw Baw Shire councillors in October 2012, but the objectors successfully appealed at VCAT.
VCAT also heard an appeal from Ballywarra Farms against the conditions of the approval.
VCAT resolved that the farm was feasible for the site, but the proposed access was not acceptable; North Yannathan Road was suggested as an alternative. Eight of the nine councillors voted to reject the proposal at the council meeting, despite council officers recommending it be approved.
Councillors determined to reject the proposal based on drainage issues on North Yannathan Road and a history of flooding on the property.
The most recent application received 25 objections.
Councillors also now plan to write to the Minister for Agriculture and Food Resources and Minister for Planning to adjust the broiler code buffer areas.
The Baw Baw Shire council report suggested it was probable that Ballywarra Farms would take the issue to VCAT.