By Mitchell Clarke
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has formally objected to the current application to build a controversial $13 million Longwarry saleyards development.
In a letter obtained by the Gazette, the EPA objected to Baw Baw Shire Council issuing a planning permit for the application, stating the current documents didn’t provide “sufficient evidence” that amenity impacts could be reduced to an acceptable level.
The EPA’s objection was based on the application’s failure to address a range of issues including odour, noise and light emissions from the site and its effect on nearby properties as well as concerns associated with water runoff.
Longwarry Saleyards Pty Ltd is proposing to build the saleyards on 22.8 hectares of farm zoned land which will see up to 120,000 cattle and 12,000 bobby calves pushed through the facility annually.
The latest announcement is a small victory for neighbouring residents, including Ben and Melissa McCoy, whose house sits just five metres from the development’s boundary on the corner of Sand and Thornell Road.
“I understand that it is the right of everyone to submit an application but I and many others feel a huge injustice,” Mrs McCoy said.
“The stress, depression and mental health impacts this has had on my family the past year … to have someone come in and potentially pull the rug from underneath years and years of hard work, is horrific.
“For so many reasons this is the wrong area, improper management and the proposal is flawed in so many ways. It simply in everyday terms is ‘offensive’ and should be in the appropriate area. I can tell you that is not in amongst family homes.”
The McCoy’s acknowledged the proposal would contribute to the municipality’s economy and the broader farming community, however said it was better suited at a different location.
The site was chosen because it is flat land, has direct access to an arterial road and the Princes Highway and is located approximately halfway between existing facilities at Pakenham and Warragul.
The EPA noted they had received a works approval application which was currently under technical assessment. They said they’d reconsider the proposal following the works approval which could resolve some of the issues and address environment and human health risks.
Proponent Tom Gibson told the Gazette he was “concerned” that Baw Baw Shire Council could be “jumping the gun”.
“We have asked the council to defer making a decision until the EPA have completed their works approval … this may not happen until the Covid-19 pandemic is over,” Mr Gibson said.
“Once the EPA has completed their assessment then the council officers can make a complete and thorough assessment. We also asked that they take into consideration the current world economic turmoil.
“Our advisors are currently available to assist the EPA and council to address all concerns for this very important and needed facility.”
The planning application will be considered at a closed council meeting on Wednesday 8 April.
