MANILLA locals are outraged at Tamworth Regional Council’s decision to approve poultry giant Baiada’s controversial $82 million development at “Strathfield”, saying the project needs to be moved.
Nine residents spoke of their concerns in Monday night’s meeting.
Solicitor Edward Leyden; teacher Dean Longstaff; business owner Judy McNamara; neighbours to the development John Allan, “North Cuer-
indi”; Robyn Skelton, “Carmarthen”; Gary and Jamie Wrench, “Alch-
eringa”; Lynn Newberry, “Stone Hut”, and Jenny Henderson, “Corra Linn”, made presentations.
“Great development, wrong location” was repeated during the meeting by residents who say they’re not opposed to it, but its location upstream of the town water supply.
The development will house 2.94 million birds at full production, employing 15 full-time and 10 casual workers, and injecting millions into the region’s economy.
Councillors cited jobs, community development and economic investment as reasons for approval.
They made an extra condition to prevent heavy vehicle movements between 7am to 9am and 3pm to 5pm to protect school students.
Baiada said it looked forward to working with stakeholders in delivering the investment.
“The approval of the Strathfield farms will create much-needed new jobs for Manilla and play an important role in underpinning our long-term commitment to the Tamworth region,” Baiada said.
The project has been contentious since 2012. The council received 81 submissions earlier this year – 79 opposing the development.
Water levels, traffic movements, safety issues and potential odour problems were raised by critics.
The number and frequency of heavy vehicle traffic has been a major worry for residents.
The development will see 11,860 truck movements and 27,300 light vehicles travel through the town over the narrow Manilla bridge.
Mrs McNamara said trucks carting manure, live and dead chickens would cause queues in the main street.
“It’s a one-way bridge with heavy vehicles. I won’t drive on the bridge when there’s a truck,” she said.
Mrs McNamara, who owns M and M Stockyards with her husband Shane, and has lived in Manilla for 30 years, said best management practice guidelines recommended heavy vehicles avoid town centres.
Gary Wrench and his 13-year-old son Jamie made emotional pleas.
Mr Wrench grew up at “Strathfield” and has been in the area all his life.
They spoke about the potential effects on their health and that of Jamie’s 16-year-old brother Jaydon, who suffers from sensory proccessing disorder, a complex neurological condition that affects his communication.
“We have to put up with chicken dust, odour and nine chemicals in the air,” Mr Wrench said.
Namoi River Community Group president Matt Fletcher said the decision was expected.
“I feel the lure of jobs and employment far outweigh the importance of people in Manilla, the social aspects and the environmental aspects,” he said.