By Luke Voogt
Ratepayers Geelong and a local MP have joined campaigners against a planned Lara goat farm, calling for alternative locations for the controversial proposal.
Ratepayers Geelong secretary Denis O’Bryan described the proposed location as inappropriate for “intensive animal husbandry” given its closeness to homes.
“This use is banned within all the residential zones, which form a semicircle around the approved site, as close as 500m to 1000m,” he said.
“Any airborne pathogens and any animal smells will blow unobstructed into homes when our most common winds blow.”
Geelong’s state-appointed administrators granted the planning permit for the farm in 2016.
“We at Ratepayers Geelong Incorporated are perplexed by the administrators’ decision to allow an intensive animal factory at 240 Forest Road South,” Mr O’Bryan said.
Mr O’Bryan called for the relocation of the controversial 4500-goat farm away from homes and closer to Avalon Airport.
“We recognise that the industry will provide employment opportunities and export potential for our area, and we appreciate the initiative of the investors to choose our region.”
Local Liberal MP Simon Ramsay said establishing “an intensive animal industry” so close to established residential housing was “ridiculous.”
In February, the Member for Western Victoria called on Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford to ensure Lara residents’ safety but stopped short of opposing the farm outright.
“I fully support Victoria’s strong agricultural industry, but it should never compromise on the health and safety of animals and humans,” he said at the time.
But last week he changed his position after meeting with concerned Lara residents.
“Residents are rightly concerned by … increased heavy traffic, noise, animal odour, effluent contamination and potential health hazards,” he said.
Mr Ramsay raised the matter with Ms Pulford in parliament months ago and was still awaiting a response.
The neighbouring Golden Plains Shire’s well-buffered food precinct of 2800 hectares suited the proposal better, he said.
Mr Ramsay and Ratepayers Geelong echoed the No Nuchev Campaign, a large group of Lara residents protesting the proposal.
The group on 27 February presented a 2400-strong signature to for City Hall to appeal the farm, which council will respond to next Tuesday.
