A PROPOSAL to build a commercial egg laying facility for up to 45,000 chickens at Tyntynder South has nearby residents crying foul over potential impacts to their properties.
Swan Hill Rural City Council is currently assessing an application, lodged last month, for an estimated $1.85 million poultry development consisting of three sheds, each housing 15,000 chickens, plus a dwelling, machinery shed and packing shed.
Located less than 10 minutes from the Swan Hill CBD, the 10-acre block on the corner of Chillingollah Road and Murray Valley Highway was purchased by a Melbourne businessman, Huy Pham, in January.
Residents of the nearby properties have expressed a range of concerns with the proposal and will hold a public meeting to discuss the issue tomorrow night.
They say their concerns include damage to crop quality, odour, increased traffic to the area, potential for vermin and other pests like mosquitoes, the threat of avian influenza (bird flu) and other factors detrimental to the environment, like constant cooling for chicken sheds in the warmer months.
However, the developer is confident the venture will meet required environmental standards.
For the rest of this story, pick up today’s Guardian (Friday, July 17).
