November 2021
The Western Downs Regional Council has recently approved a development application for a massive 65,000 SCU (standard ‘cattle’ unit) feedlot near Moonie. Disappointingly, due to the council’s planning scheme, all proposed factory farms in the Western Downs are not considered ‘impact assessable’, and therefore require no public consultation. There has been no opportunity for the community to raise concerns about the environment, traffic, noise, odour, or any of the wide range of issues associated with feedlots.
The development application highlights some serious animal welfare issues, as well as inconsistencies in water estimates and a lack of insight into their environmental impacts.
If this feedlot is built, it will be the second-largest feedlot in the Southern Hemisphere. This feedlot would be an export facility, keeping cows confined for around 400 days before slaughter. It would also generate an obscene amount of greenhouse gas emissions, manure, effluent, and would require enormous amounts of water.
We have asked the Deputy Premier & Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Steven Miles, to ‘call in’ the development application and to take control of assessment and decision making.
Please use the template below to also raise your concerns with the Deputy Premier.
---
UPDATE DECEMBER 2021: The Minister has dismissed the concerns raised and allowed this feedlot to be built. We will continue to explore any other available options remaining to stop this feedlot going ahead.