Stink brews on cattle pen

THERE is “significant” opposition to a proposed development capable of holding 15,000 head of cattle at Oak Valley.

Ronmar Rural is behind a planned cattle holding yard at the corner of 812- 840 Flinders Highway and 7- 11 Heath Rd, Oak Valley – immediately south of the Kiernan Drive/ Flinders Highway signalled intersection.

Dan Goddard lives nearby and said there was “significant community opposition” to the proposal.

“It is clear that the impacts will be significant,” he said.

“I am a resident directly impacted by its location and operation.”

Mr Goddard said it was a major concern for the community.

“When people read ( the application) and understand the impacts they are seriously concerned,” he said.

“I think the major concern is the size of it.”

The development has been submitted to Townsville City Council and is on public notification, meaning people can comment on the plans.

The Oak Valley resident will write a submission opposing the project.

“On that stretch of the highway there has been a lot of accidents in that area,” Mr Goddard said.

“The community feels with that stretch of road, it needs to be seriously considered if it can take any more. Also there’s a number of people directly downwind of it.”

The application said the proposed cattle holding yards were anticipated to have an annual throughput of about 100,000 head of cattle.

“The proposed development is considered much needed and will not satisfy the total demand for cattle holding in the region, with other similar facilities also proposed,” the development application reads.

The developers say six fulltime jobs could come from the project.

Before the public notification began, the council asked for more information on what impacts there would be on traffic, the environment and neighbours.

A planned manure holding facility at the cattle yards was questioned by the council.

In their response, the devel- opers said refinements in the proposed operation meant there was now no need to stockpile manure on site.

“Efficiencies will be achieved by loading the manure directly into a trailer after clearing from the pens,” the response reads.

“It is anticipated that the volume of manure will fit in one truck after each cattle shipment, which is likely to occur approximately once per month. As such, the location of the manure handling area is not shown on the amended site plan given it is no longer required.”

The council’s traffic concerns were also addressed, with the developers saying although the yards could handle 15,000 head, 4000 was more likely.

If approved, the cattle yard is expected to be operating by next year.

The application is open for public comment until July 18.