A company spokesperson said an engineering solution had been identified in response to flood risks, wastewater, and effluent management that would mitigate potential impacts to neighbouring properties during major flood events.
However, Mulwala farmer Penny Thomas said she finds it difficult to believe that an engineering solution had been identified that would not divert water within the floodplain.
Ms Thomas is part of the Hanley Plains Piggery Objection Group which last year opposed the Rosewood Park site based on its location “within a floodplain of the noted wetlands”.
She said the group welcomed JBS’ reassessment of the project and were keen to see the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the proposed mitigations.
JBS Pork supports 650 jobs in the shire and sources 95 per cent of its grain from more than 550 local growers within 150kms of Corowa and Ms Thomas said they were not objecting to the whole Development Application.
“We are objecting to the Mulwala site as not suitable for the development due to the environment implications on the wetlands and the ecological effects from water diversion,” she said.
“Hanley Plains is a breeding ground for protected and vulnerable brolgas, and this site is potentially a recharge point that will allow effluent to pass between surface water and ground water, making it vulnerable to contamination.”
Technical studies commissioned by JBS indicate the site could be established and operate according to modern compliances if the proposed mitigations were implemented.
Rutherglen consultancy firm Lecroma is completing the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Mulwala site and founder Greg Ley said priority had shifted while the studies were undertaken.
“JBS is undertaking further technical and environmental assessments for the Rosewood Park project, which are well progressed but not yet complete,” Mr Ley said.
“The findings will inform next steps in the planning process with updates to be provided as the work progresses.”
Ms Thomas said the rate payers of Federation Shire wanted support from Federation Council to protect the future and the community.
“If Federation Council objects to the project, then the Independent Planning Commission becomes the consent authority, rather than the Minister for Planning,” she said.
“The Independent Planning Commission plays an important role in state significant development assessment, helping to build community confidence in the planning system.
“This creates transparency through the decision-making stages of state significant developments.”
