Council hears concerns about Graham Rd industrial project

This proposal seeks approval for use and development of land for a concrete batching plant with a maximum production capacity of 3000 tonnes per annum.

The location of the proposed site is within an industrial zone, with neighbouring properties also used for industrial purposes. The closest residential property is 340 metres south of the proposal.

During the public notification period, five objections were received (three from the community and two from authorities) and since advertising, the authority concerns have been resolved and the objections withdrawn.

In the council agenda for the October meeting, it was noted a consultation meeting with the three community objectors was scheduled for February, but all declined to participate.

Concerns raised by the community members included noise and disturbances, property devaluing, environmental impact, light pollution and air quality and health.

At the meeting, councillors heard from three speakers: a proponent, an objector and the applicant — a representative from Mawsons.

The objector was Renee Pichler, a resident of Dale Rd, Kyabram.

She said her house was about 700m from the proposed location, and she only found out about the project by reading the council agenda.

“Reading this meeting’s agenda and the plans for a cement processing plant to be built 700m from my front door without the opportunity for me to engage as a stake holder has disappointed me greatly,” Ms Pichler said.

She said a big reason she was speaking was to advocate for her children, who are home-schooled due to their ADHD and autism diagnoses, and that she feared the site would create noise and dust pollution, especially during their schooling hours.

“Information should be provided transparently to the community ... to have concerns addressed,” she said.

“I find it extremely concerning that I've only yesterday stumbled across this information that will directly affect my family.”

Council then heard from Mawsons operations manager Mark Carnes, who highlighted the company’s reputation for serving regional communities in employment, sponsorship and partnerships.

To Ms Pichler’s points, he explained the independent modelling for the factory complied with noise regulations, and that it would use recycled water sprinkler systems to minimise any dust that might occur during operating hours of 7am to 5pm.

Mr Carnes said initial operations would be low volume, with just one employee and truck at the beginning while business kicked off.

He said the visual impact would have a small footprint, with minimal visibility from the main Kyabram area.

“We believe this development will not only enhance competition, but will also bring added value to Kyabram through expanded services and employment opportunities,” he said.

“We're committed to being good corporate citizens and look forward to contributing positively to the community.”

Speaking for the motion, Cr Zoe Cook thanked the speakers for discussing the matter with them, and asked councillors to support the recommendation to approve the proposal.

“I take note of ... concerns raised by the speakers in regards to noise pollution; our world sometimes isn't very accessible for people,” Cr Cook said.

“That’s unfortunate, and we do need to move towards a better world that can be more accessible.”

She said the proposal fell within the constraints of the planning scheme given by the Victorian Government.

She also noted that, when asked, Mawsons had worked to adjust its plans to meet Goulburn-Murray Water and Goulburn Valley Water concerns.

Those sentiments were shared by Crs Jessica Mitchell, Adrian Weston, John Zobec and Tony Marwood.

Cr Luke Sharrock agreed, but said he was still concerned with some of the points raised by Ms Pichler.

When put to the vote, the motion carried six to one, with Crs Daniel Mackrell, Mitchell, Cook, Marwood, Weston and Zobec for, and Cr Sharrock against.

Crs Rob Amos and Paul Jarman were absent from the meeting.