MILLIGAN’S CHICKEN MEAT FARM 136 Top Forestry Road,
MILLIGAN’S CHICKEN MEAT FARM 136 Top Forestry Road, Ridgewood MCU12/0184 Background The Milligan family has been farming on this 105.02 ha property at Ridgewood for 40 years The The property cannot be subdivided applicant attended information sessions about the draft Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme where he was advised the land was suitable solely for farming Background continued Background continued The property has previously been used for farming cattle, citrus, mangoes and sapotes The applicant has an existing terraced avocado orchard on 60 ha of the property with land available for further plantings The applicant currently employs 7 permanent staff and up to 90 casual staff depending on seasonal requirements Background continued The applicant has a proven track record in environmentally friendly, sustainable farming and is fully SILLIKER certified and maintains HACCP based programs as a skilled practitioner The applicant currently supplies local markets, domestic markets and exports to Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong, and is seeking to diversify to provide a more stable source of income throughout the year The applicant has passed a lengthy and rigorous screening process to gain approval to be an Inghams Enterprises contractor and has visited existing productive and ethical operations to validate the addition of this project to their farming operation The Application An application was submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council on 14/11/2012 The applicant is seeking to establish poultry growth sheds, which will occupy only 1.3% of the property, facing state forest on the western boundary This project will allow for actual vertically integrated farming on the property, with waste to be used on the existing orchard as an asset-based supplement The Application The applicant is seeking to build eight sheds 100-110m long, 16.5m wide and 3.15m high (at the apex), which would be screened by vegetation The site includes a full landscape plan with design to be overseen by curators (attached) The sheds and surrounds would be kept in pristine condition, in accordance with strict biosecurity, hygiene and ethical requirements under the contract with Inghams Enterprises and their auditing process Example of shed structure Economic benefits $10-12 million would be invested into this project if approval is granted The applicant will use local tradespeople and suppliers during construction Additional 6-8 permanent jobs for locals on completion in maintenance, supervision, administrative positions along with additional casual labour. Animal Welfare The birds would be transported to the site as one or two-day old chicks They would be housed in state of the art temperature-controlled, night/day conditions, receiving high quality feed and regular exercise and continuous monitoring Exercise, quality feed and water are essential to produce a high quality product Shed interior Animal Welfare The conditions would be consistent, as per Inghams Enterprises requirements, with FREPA standards (www.frepa.com.au) and the National FSANZ standards (www.foodstandards.com.au) Stocking densities are strictly controlled and can never exceed the standard. Overstocking is counterproductive. Demand in Australia is approximately 2 million chickens per day and growing. Environmental Impact Site clearing to be offset by re-planting elsewhere on the property previously under mango and citrus plantings Independent assessments have found there would be no impact on the environment or local waterways According to Inghams Enterprises (www.inghams.com.au), “Chicken production has a small environmental footprint compared to other land-based animal production systems such as beef, pork and eggs.” Traffic Impact Traffic study was undertaken as part of the application. Two points on the road were highlighted and will be addressed The applicant has been trucking commodities in and produce out of the property for more than 40 years The assessment found there would be an increase in vehicle movements of less than 5% Government requirements The application is consistent with the planning scheme The applicant has submitted detailed, independent environmental, stormwater and traffic impact assessments by qualified professionals The applicant has complied with all council and state government requirements Opposition… and myths A small number of poeple have been running a concerted campaign against this application, much of which is based on misinformation. It includes false allegations that: The birds would be subject to inhumane conditions and would need to be ‘debeaked’ due to cramped conditions The birds would be caged and treated inhumanely More myths It would involve the use of steroids, hormones and intensive use of antibiotics The farm would be harmful to the environment and local waterways due to waste runoff The farm would have a significant impact on local roads which are not suitable for this type of vehicle movement Summary Seeking to diversify and continue farming operations on an existing farming property Proven track record in sustainable, environmentally friendly farming practices and food production Application is consistent with the planning scheme Significant investment in the local economy Summary continued Jobs to be created during construction and on completion Complies with all council and state government requirements No impact on the environment, health or visual amenity Minimal traffic impact The End Any Questions?
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