MERRIVALE residents have swamped Warrnambool City Council with objections to huge expansion projects by Midfield International adjacent to its abattoir and moves to extend the industrial zone and buffers.
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More than 150 submissions were lodged on proposed changes by closing time yesterday.
Planning scheme amendments and permit applications for a proposed milk processing factory and a cold store on Scott Street, plus a proposed private subdivision of former residential land into an industrial park, have alarmed residents who fear their neighbourhood will be further overshadowed by industry.
The milk powder factory would be 34 metres high and the freezer-cold store 29 metres. Both would operate around the clock.
Most of the objections are aimed at the milk factory, which would have up to 24 trucks a day bringing fresh milk from farms or despatching processed powder.
The factory would be equivalent to a 10-storey building, making it the tallest in Warrnambool.
In mid-August the council voted to exhibit the proposals and allow 28 days for public comment before they go back to council for a decision.
The contentious issue is likely to be decided by an independent panel which is scheduled to sit in late January or early February.
Midfield, which has operated an abattoir on Scott Street-McMeekin Road for decades, says the expansions will bring new jobs and boost the local economy.
The company’s proposed milk factory would be built on former Crown land it bought from the council, which arranged a title transfer from the state government.
Residents argue the new constructions should be on another location far away from housing.
Merrivale Community Association president Keith McAlley said residents had accepted the abattoir in their backyard for years, but the proposed expansion was like “the straw that broke the dromedary’s back”.
“It’s fair enough to say there’s been a negative response to the proposal and from areas further than Merrivale,” he told The Standard yesterday.
“Issues of concern include noise, smell, dust, asthma, traffic and general nuisance.
“There are also concerns about the process of changing zones to fit in with private enterprise.
“People are praying their elected council representatives take on board the feeling of voters.
“Warrnambool City Council seems to be remembered for its lack of foresight.”
Mr McAlley said the community was disappointed it had not been consulted before the applications were advertised.
“People should contact all of their seven councillors to outline the concerns before a vote is taken,” he said. One family, Robert and Lynda Lewis, said they had two children who suffered extreme asthma.
“Given milk plants have a history of emitting a powdery substance we may have to contemplate selling our family home so as not to endanger our children,” they said.
“Added truck movements will endanger our children making their way to and from school.
“Why does the city council treat Merrivale residents like second-class citizens?
“Nobody has the right to single-handedly devalue an area and our residential property for the sake of increasing their substantial income.”
Another resident Rebecca O’Brien said as a parent she was concerned about pollution from dust, noise levels and traffic volumes.
“We also believe the proximity to Merrivale Primary School is dangerous for the children too,” she said.