Public hearing of Kernot concerns

In the latest instalment of the controversial planning application, a public hearing to the opposing submissions was held last night at the Wonthaggi Community Arts Centre.

About 45 people attending the public hearing, of which 17 addressed the Mayor and Councillors on their submission.

Ms Jones said the council had been inundated with submissions against the proposed expansion. They have received more than 430 submissions, all opposing the expansion for issues including animal welfare and foreign ownership.

“We’ve also had a lot of submissions more typical of planning applications, including about concerns about road usage, water use and treatment, noise and odour,” she said.

“We wanted to ensure the community had an opportunity to be listened to, so as part of the process, we’ve had two community meetings and last night’s public hearing.

“Although it is an emotional issue for some, the public hearing was very respectful.”

A spokesperson of community group the Friends of Bass Valley said its submissions focused on the failure of the developer to provide an environmental impact statement.

“The group believes that if the environmental impact statement was taken, the proposal would be flatly rejected,” she said.

She said 2423 hectares of the proposed site was on a flood plain which is not suited to dairy cattle, and the group wanted to see an effluent management plan especially since the proposed site was so close to the Bass River.

The council's Ms Jones said the developer had representation at the hearing, but did not have the opportunity to speak publicly.

“Our planners are completing an internal report on the application that will be made available to the public as part of the council meeting agenda on our website after 5pm on August 14.”

The council will consider the application at its meeting on August 19.