By Luke Voogt
Lara campaigners have won their bid for Geelong’s council to appeal a proposed goat farm.
Hundreds of protesters erupted in cheers at City Hall on Tuesday night as council narrowly voted in favour of taking their fight to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VACT).
“I’m really proud of our community,” said emotional No Nuchev Campaign leader Bronwen Baker.
Lara residents grilled councillors in question time over concerns the “intensive” farm could cause a Q fever outbreak and about a perceived lack of public notice.
More than 4500 signed petitions urging the council appeal, noting that VCAT had overturned a larger farm at Moorabool.
The petition also alleged undue pressure on objectors to compromise with council and Nuchev in an earlier VCAT conference.
Council officers recommend against appealing, stating the last successful similar planning appeal was in 2002.
Council met all obligations for public notification and the appeal could cost up to $60,000, they said.
Council voted six to four in favour of ward councillor and Lara resident Kylie Grzybek’s alternative recommendation to appeal.
“I don’t think (the recommendation) met with standards of the community who we represent,“ she said.
Cr Ron Nelson, Eddy Kontelj, Anthony Aitken, Stephanie Asher and Trent Sullivan backed the motion.
Mayor Bruce Harwood and Crs Peter Murrihy, Pat Murnane and Jim Mason opposed the motion.
Cr Sarah Mansfield was on maternity leave.
Nuchev issued a statement yesterday describing the split decision as “perplexing and disappointing.”
“We appreciate the concern within the Lara community regarding the permit, however, this is largely driven by information that is factually incorrect or incomplete,” Nuchev said.
“We continue to encourage people to reference the correct information that was submitted to council or to visit our website for facts about the permit.”
