Blayney Abattoir

I do not object to the proposed industry coming to blayney shire. I object to the proposed site so close to blayney town centre.

As a resident of Millthorpe, I am particularly concerned about the increase in heavy traffic through the village. At peak hours, traffic on the Orange-Blayney road is very heavy. It may have not reached its 'capacity' as defined by government, but it is approaching its capacity as defined by local residents' tolerance of noise, vibration and general disturbance. Now someone wants to add 58 RETURN (ie 116 actual) trips per day to this. And that's only the heavy vehicles.

Many people live here because of the attraction of the local environment. It is also a popular place for tourists to visit for the same reason. I don't think another 100+ heavy stock vehicle movements per day will improve its appeal.

The harvesting of goats and other feral species for the meat trade is, at best, a short term money making exercise - it will not produce any long-term jobs as it is one of those industries which will be at the mercy of public perceptions over food hygiene, animal welfare and a long list of other concerns that frequently pop up in the popular press. Products which are for export will be entirely dependent on the ever-changing political relationships between Australia and its trading partners (remember how well kangaroo meat exports were going until the Russian government pulled out). In other words, it might go well for 12 months, but then it will close and be another industrial white elephant occupying now unproductive agricultural land.

Cabonne Council supports any economic driver within the Central West NSW region, providing all socio - economic impacts are managed.

In regards to the small stock abattoir proposed at Blayney I wish to lodge my objection to the proposal being far to close to the township of Blayney. The proponents EIS considers the environmental and oprerational issues but the location of what is tradionally a high risk industry must surely be seriously considered.Any relatively small incident at the abattoir would have immediate and unpleasant affect on the surrounding neighbours and the town due to the closeness of the operation.
The existing Sealink facility has co- existed with the township very successfully with its cold store, warehousing and logistic operations but surely a high risk activity such as an abattoir is outside the intent and expectation of that industrial area.
Large developments such as what is proposed should result in long term benefits for the owner, the local community and the region, surely the planning process should aspire and deliver all three of these objectives.
I would support PAC to have a community meeting in our town to fully understand the issues such as the potential negative affect on the residents in the nearby retirement village and the devasting affect on an existing business such as Athol Gardens which is adjacent to the proposal.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue.

I object to this proposed development on many grounds. Many of these overlap:
* Heavy traffic:
Whilst the EIS indicates that the roads are big enough to handle the trucks, it gives no consideration that the roads in the towns of Blayney & Millthorpe that the goat trucks will be going past constantly include
- Blayney town centre, including outdoor cafes
- many shops, including banks & post offices
- Blayney Public School
- Millthorpe Public School
- Blayney High School
- Numerous churches
- Christ Church Retirement Village in Blayney
- a wedding & function centre (Athol Gardens)
- my own residence, on the main road.
- a pre school
School children ( including my own), old people, and everyone else have to cross the main road. There is no crossing at the end of town that the truck turn. Huge risks to pedestrians.
The trucks are intending to run 24 hours a day. I will find this personally intolerable, past my door. I am the least of the problems.
* Retirement Village. I am part of the management committee of Christ Church Retirement Village, a facility of 29 units for elderly people, to which the proposed development is unacceptably close. The EIS states that the VIllage is edge of town is 900 metres from the proposed development. The Village is on the edge of town, within sight of the development. As the crow flies, this is much closer than 900 metres.
The old people will be subjected to traffic, noise, smell, and health risks.
* Health Risks,
The proposed development does not meet required health standards, which indicate an abattoir would be at least 1km from the nearest residence.
Q fever is a significant risk, especially with trucks of feral goats travelling close to homes and schools constantly.
- the elderly are particularly at risk.
* Smell
- I am unconvinced by the proposed safeguards.
* Lack of consultation
There has been virtually no consultation with the public by the proponents. 'Effective and genuine consulatation' has been non-existent. The proponent has constantly refused meetings with Council & residents.
The Proponent
* The proponent seems to have commenced building already.
* The conditions of approval of previous DA's by the Council have not been met by the Proponent.

For the attention of the General Manager / Planning Manager / Planning Department
Application SSD 6594
Address 137 Newbridge Road, Blayney, NSW
Description Blayney Export Meats Smallstock Abattoir - Metziya Pty Limited intends to seek a single new development consent under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to develop a smallstock abattoir within the Blayney SeaLink Industrial Estate, located approximately one kilometre east of the Blayney township in the Central West region of New South Wales. The Project comprises the development of an abattoir with the capacity to process up to 4,500 head per day, primarily wild goats and some lambs, along with the continuing operation and use of the existing Blayney SeaLink Cold Store Complex located within the Development Site.
Name of commenter Alexandra Wiseman
Address of commenter 98 Charles Booth Way, Millthorpe (where we are to build) and PO Box 32 Orange 2800 (postal)
Email of commenter [email protected]

Comment
Although I would like to see additional employment opportunities in the Blayney Shire, object to the proposal on the ground of the transport route proposed for livestock carriers.
As I understand it, currently the plan is for trucks carrying feral goats (with potential parasites, viruses etc) through Millthorpe. Similarly, via that route, they would have to go through the middle of Blayney, too.
Evidence of disease: "Feral goats are susceptible to devastating exotic livestock diseases including foot-and-mouth disease, scrapie, rinderpest, Rift Valley fever, rabies and blue tongue. Unchecked, wild herds could play a major role in the spread of infection and act as a reservoir if these diseases are introduced to Australia. Feral goats are prone to a number of diseases currently in Australia including Q fever, tetanus, leptospirosis, brucella melitensis, hydatids, pulpy kidney, blackleg, and various
parasitic worms of the gastro-intestinal tract." (Source: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/55200/IPA-Feral-Goat-PA18.pdf)
Millthorpe in particular involves a lot of pedestrian activity. People walk to school, to the GP and chemist, to the variety of small businesses, to the park and oval. It is a pedestrian village, and also a tourist village. The heritage of the village is very much a draw card and as well as historic buildings, the village has bluestone kerb and guttering and other heritage features. Obviously, large numbers of heavy vehicles could impact on the heritage features of the village.
The route would take this large number of trucks past Millthorpe Public School, as well as Blayney Public School and Blayney High School, during the period when children are leaving school - this is a health hazard and a safety issue. While the law may say drivers are to observe a 40km speed limit during this period, in my experience, truck drivers are often the worst offenders at speeding through school zones and even if they observe the speed limit, the risk of injury or death is increased as trucks take longer to stop and are heavier - creating a greater impact.
As well as general safety and the safety of children, there is also the safety of the aged population to consider, as there is a SEPP 55 aged residential facility with direct access to Park St/Orange Road/Millthorpe Road. Older people are at greater risk of falls, disorientation, poor eye sight etc. This presents an additional safety risk as they need to cross Park St in front of the school to get to the GP and chemist.
If a condition was included in an approval that stipulated a particular truck route that avoided Park St, Millthorpe and the entire Millthorpe village (for example, the developer to improve Guyong Rd and the route to be Millthorpe-Vittoria Rd, Guyong Rd then the Mid-Western Hwy - thus the increased traffic impact would be on a handful of farms rather than an entire village and three schools) then I would be in favour of this application.
Until or unless the truck route is changed, then I object on the grounds of health and safety, as well as the impact on the amenity of the village of Millthorpe.
I am a rate payer in Millthorpe (Blayney Shire), we have chosen to build our home there because it is a quiet, safe village with a wonderful school for our children.
Please do not change that.

Ray and Silvia Rogers
13 Piggott Pl
Blayney NSW
.ph 02 63684868

To whom it may concern
As concerned residents and rate payers of Blayney, we wish to express our objections to the proposed Goat abattoir to be built in Blayney.
Our objections are as follows

1. The abbitior will be built in a location we feel is too close to residents and businesses, so local business will suffer eg * Athol Gardens, a wedding reception venue of very high standard is almost directly across the road from the proposed sight, it will not stand a chance against an abbs so close and will probably lose its clientele base and eventually the business this family is so committed to.
* In our local paper this week the owner of Athol Gardens who just happens to be a councillor is quoted as saying " Cr David Somervaille has declared a pecuniary interest in the matter as he owns a property opposite the development site and has not participated council submission process" , this is a man who is about to lose everything!

2.Nursing home is in close proximity to proposed site, too close for traffic and odour concerns

3. Real estate values will decrease, this will not bring people to this town

4. How much employment will actually be available to the residents of Blayney during building phase and production phase?

5. Who will fund the maintenance of Blayney streets due to the excess Heavy Vehicle traffic which would include semi's and b-doubles.

6. Being a Goat Abatoir will it be Halal Certified?

7. Finally, odour problems!


In closing we would like to thank you for allowing the people of Blayney to express our concerns and objections

Ray and Silvia Rogers

Attention Manager- Industry Assessments




As a resident and ratepayer, living and working in Blayney for 35 years I would like to register my concerns about the proposal for a Goat Abattoir within 1 kilometre of the township. Last Thursday I attended the town meeting/ information session, with a few concerns and an open mind, I left nearly 3 hours later, ( time was spent after the 2hr session speaking to the Mayor, the 2 other councillors present) extremely concerned,as did the vast majority of the 160 residents that attended, wondering how a proposal such as this,could even be considered, let alone approved.
My concerns are as follows: * obvious Environmental issues, the proximity of the water catchment area, the Belubula River, there is a real possibility of contamination. Surely air and water pollution on a site less than a km from town and on the edge of a flood plain is of major concern. RECOMMENDATION 3 Council's Draft document.
*Controlling the smell. When I came to Blayney as a 1st yr out teacher it was an Abattoir town and the smell was a major issue,regularly, when the wind would change the stench was extremely potent, long term residents remember it well. While I'm sure research has improved this over the years, feral goats, particularly males,smell far more than domestic goats and other livestock, this is before any processing has even begun, this will definitely impact on the town and surroundings
* 50 trucks per day, including B-Doubles, will take its toll on our roads (proponent to contribute $20,000 per annum towards road maintenance, is laughable) RECOMMENDATION 17. The intersection to be altered, has a Post Office, a Day Care Centre close, and is is accessed by elderly residents on foot, and in buggies from the Retirement Village daily. Parking in front of the PO and Royal Hotel will be impacted. We have 3 schools, a Pre school, Long Day Care Centre, the Retirement Village, churches,a children's, sports oval, IGA and car park, all well within a kilometre and on this route, according to the Draft document supplied by council, trucks will travel, 24 hrs a day. Specification that trucks will not travel during school hours 8.00 till 9.30 and 2.30 till 4.00 is questionable, who would patrol this, as if a truck fully loaded with feral goats, having travelled from out west for hours would pull over and wait for school zone clearance.
*The risk of Q FEVER, Dr Jack Shepherd ( 40 yrs experience studying the disease) spoke at the town meeting and on ABC radio about the very real, genuine risks associated with feral goats,he has put in a submission outlining concerns for the community, the frequency with which feral goats abort their young during transportation is high, the placental material is laden with the disease, it's transmitted by air as well, so this can spill out of loaded vehicles at any time. A local stock carter who has transported feral goats to Cowra from Mt Hope commented on how filthy his trucks are after their transportation,the long hair which harbours the ticks that carry Q Fever has to be hosed out and the male goat stench is far worse than other stock.Trucks also pass Millthorpe Public School, on their main route (estimated one per hour) this school is right on the road (230 children) over 50% of feral goats carry the disease ,much higher % than other stock. According to The Board of Infectious Diseases children under 15 cannot be immunised, no Medicare rebate, cost to general public is $300 - $500 single doses are rarely given, Abattoir workers, truck drivers etc are all immunised as ' a job lot'
*ATHOL Function/ reception Centre is a beautiful, Heritage building set in extensive gardens, this will not function right next to, and overlooking an Abattoir operating 24/7 surely this centre will go out of business, so jobs lost there.
* The question of employment for our town is dubious, with deals being done with Electrolux (Orange), Simplot ( Bathurst), other workers would come from Cowra, Bathurst and Orange, some employment would be created but some lost too. Try selling a house in town or nearby property if this is approved.
* Finally, RECOMMENDATION 12 of council's Draft outlines,a concern that various conditions placed on the proponent for the Sealink facility, approx 10yrs old, have not been complied with to date, this brings up concerns for the new proposal. Interestingly, driving past the sight this week,a large number of workers, vehicles etc are NOW doing mass plantings and landscaping along the perimeter of the Sealink site.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the proposal for the Goat Abattoir in our town was the main topic of conversation at the Farmer's Market in the park on Sunday morning, I have only conversed with 2 people in the last week who were not opposed to this development,Blayney is a well appointed, small rural town, growing slowly, with a large elderly population, as well as many young families, if this proposal is approved, so close to the town the repercussions will be enormous. Surely a facility such as this can only be located a suitable distance from the town ( some other states have a 5km exclusion zone) The CTLX, CENTRAL TABLELANDS, LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE is a Regional Saleyards situated 8-9 kms out of town on the Mid Western Highway, this would be a far better location for a Feral Goat Abattoir.
Hoping that the above genuine health, safety, environmental and lifestyle concerns that have been highlighted in this submission will be addressed, and that on inspection this site will be considered unacceptable for the proposed development.
Amanda Willis.

Hi Robert

Thank you for the advice on the Development Application (DA) proposal for the proposed goat abattoir at Blayney.

As WorkCover has no legislative requirements for the notifications of DA proposals and /or applications, WorkCover has no comment on this proposal at this stage.

If you have any specific concerns on matters associated with this proposal that may be impacted by the Work Health & Safety legislation, please do not hesitate to contact WorkCover.

Regards

David Young
District Coordinator - Orange
Operations |Regional South | Work Health and Safety
WorkCover Authority of NSW
Safety, Return to Work and Support
74 McNamara Street, Orange NSW 2800
Ph: 02 6392 7604
Mob: 0409 314 904
Fax: 02 9287 4703
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

Robert,
I received the attached Notice of Exhibition in the mail this week inviting the Department of Agriculture to comment
on the proposal. The department has no comment regarding this project.
For you information export registration of the proposed establishment will require evidence of provision of potable
water supply, electricity supply, effluent disposal and provision of services that ensure hygiene of product and safety
of department staff. The site will be registered based on the authorised geographic location of the site.
Regards
Maurie Moloney
Area Technical Manager
Food Exports - Central East
Dept of Agriculture
Mobile: 0419628725
Email: [email protected]

Hi Robert

Please see draft DPI comments on the above project. Formal letter should follow shortly. Apologies for the delay.

Regards
Wayne

Wayne Jones | Land Use Planning Coordinating Officer
Department of Primary Industries
Level 48, MLC Centre, 19 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000
T:02 9338 6708 | E: [email protected]


OUT15/13046


Mr Robert Byrne
Industry Assessments
NSW Department of Planning and Environment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

[email protected]

Dear Mr Byrne,

Blayney Smallstock Abattoir Development (SSD_6594)
Response to exhibition of Environmental Assessment/Impact Statement

I refer to your email dated 7 April 2015 requesting advice from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in respect to the above matter.

Comment by NSW Office of Water
The NSW Office of Water has reviewed the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Blayney Small Stock Abattoir. The following key comments are provided and further detailed comments in Attachment A. Recommended conditions of approval will be provided on receipt of the additional information requested.
Key elements of the project relevant to the NSW Office of Water include the following:
* Modifications to the surface water management system including redirection of the main drainage line and creation of a new entry point to the Belubula River.
* Temporary storage of treated wastewater in an existing 11.4ML detention basin which is to be converted into a turkey's nest dam.
Comments
* An assessment is requested of the impacts on downstream properties due to the proposed drainage line diversion.
* A conceptual design is requested of the proposed constructed channel and new entry point to the Belubula River consistent with the NSW Office of Water's "Guidelines for Controlled Activities on Waterfront Land".
* A hydrological assessment is requested to outline the proposed design flows of the constructed channel, and any impacts to flooding due to the channel diversion and building embankment within the project site and on adjacent properties.
* An assessment is requested of the impacts of the 11.4ML wastewater storage on groundwater or surface water due to seepage or dam failure/spill and necessary mitigating measures.
* Further detail is requested on the necessary connections to Cadia Valley Operations pipeline to dispose of the wastewater generated at the abattoir.

For further information please contact Tim Baker, Senior Water Regulation Officer (Dubbo Office) on 6841 7403 or at [email protected].






Attachment A

Blayney Smallstock Abattoir Development (SSD_6594)
Response to exhibition of EIS
Additional comments by [division name]
_____________________________________________________________________________

NSW Office of Water Detailed Comments - Blayney Small Stock Abattoir EIS
* Section 6.9.5 and Figure 6.14 of the EIS provide a conceptual outline of proposed amendments to the surface water management system. This indicates the current drainage path to the Belubula River via the outflow of the existing 11.4ML detention basin and across Newbridge Rd is to be diverted via a diversion bank and constructed channel. This will result in no flows from this drainage line crossing Lot 3 in DP6158 and Lot 400 in DP1070085. Whilst the Council has requested diversion of this drainage line, the impacts of diverting flow from the downstream properties has not been assessed.
* Details of the design flows the proposed constructed channel is to accommodate and a conceptual design has not been provided. Mitigating measures are requested to be included for the riparian corridor to maintain channel stability consistent with the NSW Office of Water's Guidelines for Controlled Activities on Waterfront Land.
* Figure 6.14 proposes an extension of the spillway of the existing 0.4ML detention basin to the property boundary, however no proposal is provided on the required works and/or structures to convey the flows into the Belubula River to maintain channel stability. A conceptual plan of works for the outlet/ramp to the river is requested consistent with the NSW Office of Water's Guidelines for Controlled Activities on Waterfront Land.
* Part of the existing drainage channel on the northern side of the proposed abattoir is to be relocated further to the north (closer to the railway line) to facilitate emergency vehicle access. The hydrological impact of this alteration due to the associated narrowing of the floodplain has not been assessed. Justification for locating the building so close to the northern part of the lot which has created the need for this creek relocation is also requested.
* Disposal of the treated wastewater produced at the abattoir is reliant on Cadia Valley Operation's receiving the water via a return pipeline from CVO's proposed dewatering facility. Although the EIS indicates the pipeline is in place, the dewatering facility is yet to be constructed and no maps/diagrams have been provided of the necessary pipeline infrastructure to complete this connection. The timeline therefore for actual operation of this disposal option is not certain.
* Temporary storage of the wastewater is proposed in the existing 11.4ML detention basin which is to be converted into a turkey's nest storage to not capture overland flow. This dam will provide sufficient capacity to accommodate 22 days of generated wastewater. No assessment has been provided on the potential impacts on groundwater or surface water due to seepage or dam failure/spill and the necessary mitigating measures. Groundwater was encountered at shallow depths (3.8m) during the geotechnical investigation, hence highlighting a potential risk to groundwater.

End of Attachment A

Tuesday, 28 April 2015

Planning Services,
Department of Planning & Environment,
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Attention: Manager - Industry Assessments

Dear Sir
Proposed Blayney Abattoir - SSD 6594
I make this submission in opposition to the proposed abattoir at the location on Newbridge Road, Blayney. I am a resident of Blayney Shire, work in the Blayney CBD and I am a practicing marriage celebrant in Blayney and surrounds and have lived here 15 years.
I strongly object to the proposal because
I have strong concerns about the health risks of transporting 4,500 goats per day through the Blayney Shire main roads. The proposed travel route will pass by Millthorpe Public School, Blayney Public School, Blayney High School, the Blayney Early Learners Centre and the Blayney Anglican Retirement Village, not to mention cafes, shops, churches and banks and sporting grounds.
I cannot stress enough my concerns for the Blayney Shire school students, school staff, owners and staff of community businesses and community members being exposed and subjected to raw feral goat's effluent spillage and emissions.
With an additional 56 open style livestock trucks on our roads driving directly pass schools and passing over school crossings will increase the risk of feral goat effluent spillage with the high hazardous risk of Q fever spore and emissions to our school students and staff.
The additional proposed 56 open style livestock trucks will amount to a doubling of heavy vehicles through the already stressed main street of town which is the main pedestrian and shopping street with rear to kerb parking. The number of trucks is already too high.


Athol Gardens which is situated directly across from the proposed Feral Goat Abattoir site is Blayney's main Iconic Reception Centre. Athol was built in 1875 and is one of Blayney's few 19th century homesteads still surrounded by its original gardens and is the home to many weddings.
Athol Gardens attract many visitors from afar as city folk personally source out such exclusive destination to celebrate their marriage and wedding reception. Athol Gardens provides for a unique atmosphere with country style in a beautiful garden setting. This unique and exclusive setting will be taken away from the proprietors of Athol Gardens as for ` What bride will want to be married or celebrate their wedding reception' opposite an abattoir, toasting the marriage whilst smelling feral goat odours, breathing in spores & emissions of Q Fever.
I myself as an authorise civil marriage celebrant will lose work and will have a negative impact on my business resulting in a loss of income and I personally cannot afford a financial loss. I am one of many wedding and reception services in town however there are many more businesses in town such as photographers, videographers, caterers, florist, car rentals, hotels, motels in the wedding business that will feel the negative result of this proposed FERAL GOAT ABBATTIOR.

I cannot stress how concerned I am and strongly object to this FERAL GOAT ABBATIOR proposal.

I confirm that I have not made any reportable political donations in the previous two years.


Yours sincerely



Leeanne Wright CMC JP

File has been uploaded.

I oppose the application based on the proposed location of the facility in that it is too close to the township of Blayney, and even if it were located elsewhere the proposed operating controls are inadequate.

I object to it and have upload a PDF file

Please refer to the attachment. Thanks

Orange City Council is writing to offer in principle support for the establishment of the Blayney Export Meats Smallstock Abattoirs at 137 Newbridge Road Blayney.

The proposal is located in Blayney Shire, which shares a boundary with Orange City Council. The town of Blayney and the city of Orange also share economic bonds.

Council notes that the Department of Planning and Environment has detailed a thorough process for the consideration of this project. This robust appraisal together with your Environmental Assessment Requirements is welcome.

It is noted that the department's assessment appropriately goes well beyond socio/economic benefits.

However, given recent employment challenges in this region Orange City Council has a particular focus on and interest in jobs creation.

The employment challenges in this region include Downer EDI in Bathurst in 2014 displacing 100 workers, Cadia Valley Operations going through an employment adjustment period and, most significantly for Orange, the announced closure of the Electrolux whitegoods factory by June next with the loss of more than 500 jobs.

The impact of these job losses extends beyond the host local government areas of these employers. It is notable that the projected employment benefits connected to the Blayney Export Meats Smallstock Abattoir proposal extend beyond the boundaries of the Blayney local government area.

The investment proposed here could play a significant role in bridging the jobs gap in the region.

Of particular interest was the following taken from the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment:

By the third year, it is anticipated that the abattoir will be in full operation. Using the estimates for the third year, the ongoing total annual economic contribution to the LGA and local region from abattoir operations is estimated as follows:

* Output/income $172 million
* Value added $50 million
* 391 full time equivalent jobs

If the issues raised in your Environmental Assessment Requirements can be properly addressed or managed then the Blayney Export Meats Smallstock Abattoir would be a welcome addition to the employment pool in this region.

Dear Sir,

I object to the proposed Blayney smallstock abattoir. The reasons for my objjection are outlined in the attached document.

Yours sincerely,
Janet Power

Bathurst Regional Council's Response

Have uploaded letter.