Latrobe City Council has formally flagged concerns about a proposed poultry farm outside Toongabbie through a submission to the Wellington Shire Council on behalf of residents.
The submission has identified several outstanding matters in the proposal to build two 400,000-bird free range farms, which would be located within the Wellington Shire boundary, but close to the town of Toongabbie in Latrobe City boundaries.
Latrobe City mayor Dale Harriman said council harboured concerns about the ability of the Traralgon-Maffra/Sale-Toongabbie roads and Traralgon-Maffra/Princes Highway intersections to cope with an associated increase in heavy vehicles.
He also flagged the absence of an Odour Elimination Risk Assessment in the planning process.
“An Odour ERA would have helped the wider community to understand with greater clarity that the broiler farms may not affect their amenity,” Cr Harriman said.
The submission comes after Wellington Shire Council announced it extended a public submissions period until 24 April, after related lobbying by Latrobe City councillor Kellie O’Callaghan.
Cr O’Callaghan said it was important Latrobe City made a submission to ensure the impact of the development on Latrobe City’s neighbouring communities could be presented.
“It is clear that the community is interested in ensuring that all elements are considered, including the impact from an environment, odour, traffic and amenity perspective,” Cr O’Callaghan said.
“I am pleased that community members have welcomed the Latrobe City Council submission.
“The feedback since the decision has been extremely positive.”
