By JONATHON HOWARD
A FIERY debate has erupted around an application for a proposed chicken farm at Ridgewood, following a Noosa Council deferral of the matter.
Noosa Today has received a flurry of letters from residents angered by Noosa Council’s decision, which came despite a recommendation from council’s senior directors to “deny” the applicant.
Councillors raised a number of concerns over the application including the hauling route, noise and dust, odour issues and the need to seal Top Forestry Rd, where the proposed intensive chicken farm would be located.
Top Forestry Rd resident John McWilliams said he opposed the poultry operation.
“I have asked the question many times, ‘would you like to live near or next door to a chicken farm?’,” he said.
“I have yet to find any takers, so why should this chicken farm be forced onto the people of Top Forestry Rd.
“It is said Mr Milligan (the applicant) is spending (an estimated) $12 million, to establish this chicken farm.
“It is also said, it takes (an estimated) $3 million to establish one of these chicken farms.”
Mr McWilliams posed the question: why is he spending so much money?
“Could this be the first of many chicken farms for the Noosa Hinterland,” he said.
“I am aware of two other chicken farms in the planning stage.
“If council does not stop this application, how will it stop any future applications?
“Mr Milligan seems to have ample funds, why can’t he build his farm in a less populated area.”
On the flip side, Cooroy residents Bill (OAM) and Corale Edwards wrote to Noosa Today to voice their support for the proposal.
“This farm will bring in money and jobs to the community that are very badly needed,” Mr Edwards said.
Read more on today’s letters page.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you approve the intensive chicken farm? Email your thoughts to newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au
