Ice plant push to expand

THE operators of an ice factory near Innisfail are seeking permission to expand after receiving noise complaints from neighbours.

Northern Ice, at Coconuts near Flying Fish Point, has been operating at its current site for the past 18 years.

A new development application to Cassowary Coast Regional Council outlines some of the issues the ice works’ new owners have faced since taking over the business in 2015.

“It quickly became apparent that the ice-making facility was not commercially viable and over time changes have been implemented to streamline the efficiency of the operation and increase production,” the document states.

“The current landowner, at that time, was unaware that there was a development approval over the site, imposing conditions limiting the way the business could operate.

“Council has received complaints regarding the operation of the ice-making facility, in particular noise complaints, and as a result the landowner is now required to make a subsequent development application … to facilitate the current operations of the ice making facility and to attenuate noise concerns.”

The application, which has been put out to public consultation, seeks to marginally increase the floor area of the shed used for the ice-making facility, as well as increase the tonnage of ice produced, bolster staff numbers by one and vary the hours of operation while complying with noise regulations.

A decision is yet to be made.