Consultants who convened a conference between objectors, the company proposing the development, the EPA and Greater Shepparton City Council, recommended the assessment on potential odour, dust, and pathogens and how they could be controlled.
The consultant has also suggested the applicant, Meatworks Australia, report on the total numbers of livestock which will occupy the property, and which types of stock will be processed.
The recommendations emerged following the conference at Shepparton on August 1, attended by 12 objectors.
Meatworks Australia is proposing a $30 million sheep processing abattoir employing up to 120 people on Lancaster-Mooroopna Rd at Gillieston.
Objectors have raised concerns about the appropriateness of the development on the former dairy farm, the risk of emissions from the site, the traffic management required, the prospect of disease being spread from the property and the potential to impact on drainage and waterways.
Reporting on the Shepparton meeting, the consultant suggested the development of an Odour and Air Quality Monitoring Plan including regular publication of data in a form that could be easily understood by the layperson.
The consultant said the EPA’s Public Health Unit could investigate the potential health implications of the application.
The consultant also raised the issue of whether a Cultural Heritage Management Plan was required.
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