C 146 - Intensive Animal Husbandry

I was disappointed last night that the recission motion put up by Cr Mcarthy was again voted down by just 1 vote. Cr Child was right "we are split, what more reasons do we need to refer this to an independent panel". I respect the decision has been made and will advocate to state parliament to ensure the "review" process is initiated promptly. There are a few small farmers out there now who are concerned that they may fall into this "technicality".

Cr McCarthy - Rescission of Adopted Motion for Amendment C146 Intensive Animal Husbandry

Cr McCarthy will be putting up a Motion of "Rescission of the Adopted Motion for Amendment C146 Intensive Animal Husbandry". The rationale behind this Motion is to enable Council to provide a further opportunity for interested parties to make representations and express views, to examine in greater detail the extent of objection to Amendment C146, and, with this additional information, to give further consideration to the matter.

No decision is being made here to accept a permit application process for "Intensive Farming" This motion is to allow an independent panel to investigate and also allow EVERYONE to speak to the issue "for and against" without any pressure placed on them.

And I will be supporting this!

Lets remember that Council still intends to prohibit Broiler Farms, and Cattle Feed Lots.

The Actual Motion is below:

RECOMMENDATION That Council 1. Rescind the decision made for Item 7.2 Amendment C146 Intensive Animal Husbandry at Council Meeting 11 August 2015. 2. Request the Minister for Planning appoint an independent planning panel to consider all submissions received in response to Amendment C146 to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme. 3. Refer the amendment and all submissions received to the panel for its consideration and recommendations. 4. Base its submission to the appointed panel on the commentary contained in the above report noting that the defined uses Broiler farm and Cattle feedlot should continue to be prohibited in the Green Wedge Zone 1-3, and that other forms of intensive animal husbandry should become a permitted use subject to the granting of a planning permit.

Public Bike Repair Stations?

I saw this concept which is being used in some Metro Municipalities across Melbourne and Brisbane. What an awesome idea! I reckon we could bring this concept to our trail network in the Yarra Valley, what do you think?

C146 Intensive Animal Husbandry

The motion at Tuesday night's Council meeting to refer the proposal to allow "Intensive" Farming in Green Wedges 1,2, and 3 to an independent panel appointed by the Minister of Agriculture was lost. Disappointing to see, but what was more disappointing was the people within the Gallery who decided to shout out and act appallingly. I was also disappointed that Agribusiness Yarra Valley didn't show up and speak to the item and were silent on the issue.