By Sandy Bolton Noosa MP
As with so many topics that create havoc in the inbox, it’s sometimes hard to discern whether it is ‘Chinese whispers’, deliberate dispersal of incorrect information or misunderstanding that leads to community angst. Recently one item, even though not in the Noosa electorate nor a State issue, required Electorate Office research to alleviate the inbox outrage. The concern? That a slaughterhouse was being built in Noosa. Here is a summary of the information sourced.
Noosa Council recently provided funds through its Economic Grants program to Country Noosa, a local not for profit organisation which works to provide local farmers with assistance to achieve sustainability for both the land and farmer. This grant, with contributions in kind from the Federal Government ‘Farming Together’ program, was to fund a study into yearling beef production (not to be confused with veal) which included options for processing. The Noosa Shire Local Economic Plan’s (2016) intent focused on diversification of Noosa’s economy as a way to reduce our heavy reliance on tourism, which included the potential in the rural enterprise sector.
Noosa farmers, including the organic and regenerative sector, had voiced their concerns regarding the closure of Gray’s abattoir, a small boutique facility that had operated for nearly 50 years just outside Eumundi. This facility which is not located in the Noosa Shire, the Noosa Electorate nor on Noosa Council land, as many believe, closed in 2012 when the owner retired. This left Noosa farmers without a local facility that addressed their needs for ethical slaughtering of their animals. Since that time they have been investigating options including mobile facilities or leasing the Gray’s site under a possible co-operative model.
The Gray’s site holds an existing license and during the last quarter of a century has not attracted negative lobbying to our knowledge. Should at any point in the future the feasibility study reveal that it could be a viable option for our local farmers, there would then be a lengthy application process by an organisation to the Sunshine Coast Council which would include extensive compliance processes and community consultation.
These processes which are often criticised as ‘red and green tape’, are put in place to address the environmental, animal management and amenity concerns of residents. This process is the appropriate place where residents and organisations have their say. This is where we hold our ‘family discussion’ on a planning matter that resides firmly in the realm of the local government.
The best outcomes are achieved when communities work together with their local government to come together as a collective voice. This empowers our electorate and achieves greater credibility and results with other levels of government.
Warm regards
Sandy
