{"id":20789,"date":"2013-01-17T20:52:44","date_gmt":"2013-01-17T10:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=20789"},"modified":"2013-03-25T22:19:37","modified_gmt":"2013-03-25T12:19:37","slug":"rule-change-will-help-piggeries-expand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2013\/01\/17\/rule-change-will-help-piggeries-expand\/","title":{"rendered":"Rule Change Will Help Piggeries Expand"},"content":{"rendered":"

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South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann (photo: SBRC)<\/figcaption><\/figure>January 17, 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

Changes to Strategic Cropping Land legislation passed by the Queensland Government last month will allow the region’s piggery operators to expand more easily. <\/p>\n

On Wednesday the South Burnett Regional Council voted unanimously to approve the expansion of a Wooroolin piggery from 1600 to 8000 standard pig units.<\/p>\n

Under previous legislation, the piggery owner would have faced $48,000 in application fees.<\/p>\n

But under the revised legislation, growers wishing to develop or expand a piggery can now do so using the processes that were in place before Strategic Cropping Land legislation was passed.<\/p>\n

The Sustainable Regulation 2009<\/I> was amended last month to exclude piggeries, poultry and egg production developments on designated or potential Strategic Cropping Land from assessment.<\/p>\n

The change brings them into line with existing exemptions for feedlots.<\/p>\n

Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said that piggeries were a big industry in the region and could become even bigger in the future now that restrictions have been eased.<\/p>\n

But he emphasised the community should not be concerned about the possible emergence of “mega-piggeries”.<\/p>\n

“Council will put conditions in place to ensure these developments are carried out responsibly and don’t damage community amenity or the environment.” <\/p>\n

Cr Cheryl Dalton also thought the changes were positive.<\/p>\n

“I know there might be some objections to piggeries of this size but we will not let them hurt the environment or community.”<\/p>\n

She praised Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklingon for their assistance in getting the changes passed, which had come about after representations from Council.<\/p>\n

Information about the new Strategic Cropping Land rules can be found on the Department Of Natural Resources website<\/B><\/A>. <\/p>\n

Related Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n