About 15 people braved the wet weather on Thursday to protest the proposal in Portland’s CBD.

Yumbah Aquaculture, the operator of the Narrawong abalone farm, is planning to construct the 1000-tonne farm at Dutton Way, Bolwarra. If successful, it will include a hatchery, nursery and grow-out tank.

Dutton Way’s Heather Fitzgerald said the ‘Save the Dutton Way’ group feared for the environmental impacts the development would have on the area.

“It’s going to be ten times the size of the MCG,” she said. 

“People’s views will be ruined and pipes will be placed where whales and people swim, and little sea horses start their life.

”We aren’t against Yumbah developing its business, or the employment that it may bring to the town, but it just doesn’t belong in that spot.”

Mrs Fitzgerald said concerned residents wrote to the Glenelg Shire Council to strongly object the proposal.

“Our peaceful entrance to the wonderful city of Portland is under threat,” their submission said. 

“The company wants approval for an intensive land-based abalone farm that is bigger than anything Australia has seen, and certainly bigger than the Dutton Way could ever properly accommodate.

“Those of us who live along the Dutton Way shore would find our homes wedged claustrophobic-ally between the sea and Yumbah’s domineering works. Those of us who live on the ridge above would have our tranquil views destroyed.” 

Yumbah general manger Tim Rudge said the Dutton Way site provided access to deep water, was zoned correctly and was situated close to town, which was great for sourcing staff. 

“The land is already cleared, which means we don’t have to go to a remote site with native vegetation that would need to be destroyed,” he said. 

“The coastal fringe has been pretty heavily exploited by residential developments and we feel much more comfortable about developing a piece of land that has already been completely cleared and used for agricultural food production.” 

Mr Rudge said research was conducted on the impact the proposed development would have on its surroundings. 

“First and foremost, we have to comply with all EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) requirements, as well as Glenelg Shire Council and DELWP (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning),” he said. 

“We must ensure that we are operating in a manner that is consistent with the zoning of that area and if we don’t meet those requirements, then we won’t be successful. 

“It is just as much about protecting the agricultural land as it is protecting the needs of the residents and this is an area of land where, theoretically, we can both exist harmoniously. Our business fits the requirements because it’s not offensive; there’s no dust, odour or noise; and there is low impact on the environment. 

“It may appear to be spread over a large area, but that’s because we grow them in a two-dimensional tank. It’s not multi-layered so it takes up some room.”

Glenelg Shire Council is taking submissions on Yumbah’s application until November 30. 

The protest held by ‘Save the Dutton Way’ on Thursday was one of three occasions that will be held ahead of the closing submission date.