State agencies vetting an application to build a $12m pig project at Harden will have their advice returned to Hilltops Council by December 16.
Cootamundra MP Katrina Hodgkinson and BE Campbell managing director Ted Campbell, of Young Abattoir, met with NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman in Sydney today (November 24) to discuss the future of the project, which has sat with Hilltops Council for nearly 12 months.
A representative of the EPA was also at the meeting.
Ms Hodgkinson said she was happy the state bodies were on track to reply to the development application following further information given by the proponent, Blantyre Farms, earlier this month.
“Council will have all the information it needs by December 16. Submissions are open as well from the public until January 3.’’
Ms Hodgkinson was concerned the job-making project had been lagging in the approval process for some time. But she said it was important the environmental concerns were addressed as Blantyre Farms wanted to building the piggery on grazing land it already owned, which was unusual for an intensive farming development application. Neighbours had expressed concerns over odour and effluent from the process, and if the project was located on the appropriate soil structure. The piggery will house more than 25,000 pigs in two different locations, growing and breeding areas. It is about 6.3km from Harden. The EPA will reply to these concerns to council.
Mr Campbell’s company is interested in processing the pork at its Young abattoir, setting up a pig floor, which could boost its employee base by over 100. At the moment, Blantyre Farms sends pigs from its Young operation to an abattoir in Melbourne. Blantyre says the new operation at Harden could provide up to 20 full-time jobs.