Thumbs down for egg farm

By Sarah Schwager
TOORADIN residents have given a definite thumbs down to a proposed egg farm in their neighbourhood.
Locals say the farm, proposed for the South Gippsland Highway, is a disaster waiting to happen because of its close proximity to residents and its effect on the natural habitat, being located in a flood zone.
The proposal went before last week’s planning committee meeting, with Casey Council officers recommending to refuse to grant a planning permit.
However, the decision was deferred to allow the applicants and objectors to the egg farm to make a presentation to the Planning Committee.
While the application looks likely to be rejected by council at the next meeting, residents and councillors are concerned the applicants will take the bid over their heads to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Long term Tooradin resident Janet Abelthorpe said the property was far too close to Tooradin, with a new housing development being built just across from where the farm would be located on Dore Road.
“This area is in a flood overlay. Part of the land drains into Western Port,” Mrs Abelthorpe said. “It is all low lying. If something happened it would forever change a significant area. This is such a precious area, it shouldn’t be compromised.”
Mrs Abelthorpe, who manages a cattle farm with husband Graeme, said there was also an odour issue as it was located far too close to housing.
“We are trying to promote this as a tourist area. The silos smell as well. They have predicted truck traffic at (nearly) 1300 arrivals a year. The noise from that would be just amazing, not to mention the car noise as well with people getting eggs.
“It would also increase vermin, with more rat, mice and fly problems.”
The egg farm would include five layer sheds measuring 16.6m wide by 114m long, with each shed able to hold 50,000 birds, three 52m long by 9m wide rearing sheds, 16 silos holding poultry feed, a 25m by 90m packing and sales building, a dwelling for the owner, and a dam.
Mrs Abelthorpe said if the application did go to VCAT, residents would fight the proposal all the way.
Casey mayor and Tooradin resident Colin Butler said the recommendation by council officers to refuse the planning permit was a straightforward one.
“There are many clauses that it does not meet. Its proximity to Western Port and Tooradin itself and the fact that it is in a flood zone. It will certainly go to VCAT if it is rejected by council. The applicant has had success going to VCAT before,” Cr Butler said.
He said there were many concerns held by council about the proposed egg farm.
“I would be very disappointed if VCAT did not uphold council’s decision,” Cr Butler said. “There are a number of clauses they were unable to meet.”