TRUCK movements will more than double under revised information handed to Manilla residents at the latest meeting concerning poultry giant Baiada’s $82 million development at “Strathfield”, Manilla.
An invitation-only meeting was held last week to provide locals with more information about the plan to build the southern hemisphere’s largest broiler farm with 70 sheds, but Tamworth Regional Council’s aim fell short, with residents saying they left the meeting with more questions than answers.
The meeting, initiated by the council on behalf of Baiada, included representatives from the NSW Office of Water, NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Environmental Protection Authority.
A change in expected truck movements through Manilla and the use of microphor to wash vehicles as a biosecurity measure were among the main issues discussed.
Namoi River Rd resident Judy McNamara, who has lived in the town for 30 years, said changing the estimated number of heavy vehicles – mainly B-doubles – from the initial 15 to 33 per day would see a significant increase in traffic, especially over Manilla’s very narrow bridge.
“That’s a few trucks every hour and they’re going to have a heavy impact on the community,” Mrs McNamara said.
“Another poultry development at Manilla purchased its own land and developed its own road to divert traffic away from the community, but Baiada’s allowed to go right through the centre of town.”
Local residents argued those trucks won’t just increase traffic, but could impact on waterways.
As part of the development’s biosecurity measures, all trucks and vehicles leaving “Strathfield” will need to go through a wheel wash which contains chemical sanitiser microphor.
“Baiada’s development application clearly states the risk of microphor and that it should never be discharged into waterways,” Mrs McNamara said.
“In the process of getting to the farm, the vehicles will go through four water causeways.
“At the moment they’re dry but these causeways flood as soon as it rains and that water runs straight into the Namoi River.”
Having the meeting organised by the counil showed a deal had been done between council and the business, Lisa Rochfort, “Yarrenbool”, said.
“Council has stopped the clock for them to get that further information but wouldn’t permit us more time for further exploration of this development,” Ms Rochfort said.
