Liverpool Plains Shire Council approves new Cattle Creek feedlot

Councillors heard of the plans for the new feedlot on a Phillips Creek Road property in Cattle Creek, near Willow Tree, at Wednesday’s council meeting.

Property owner Beau Ward was on hand during the meeting to outline the positives of the development.

“I think this expansion will have a number of positive impacts on the greater local community,” Mr Ward said.

“It is going to support local cattle producers by giving them another potential buyer for their stock, it will support local businesses through the purchase of grain and other fodder and it will support locals through added employment.

“Really there are a number of ways even beyond those [reasons] that this expansion can be of benefit to the community.”

New Liverpool Plains Shire Council deputy mayor Paul Moules questioned the environmental impact of the new feedlot.

“I think this sounds like an excellent idea, however, I am just a bit curious as to how odour may impact on any neighbours that live nearby to the proposed feedlot,” Cr Moules said.

Mr Ward said the feedlot’s proposed location meant it would have a limited impact on “any nearby neighbours”. 

“I think it is a pretty perfect location for a feedlot,” Mr Ward said.

“It is out of sight from the road so visually it shouldn’t be a problem.

“In terms of smell, to be honest I would be pretty surprised if our closest neighbour would be able to smell anything.

“It is far enough away and positioned so that it shouldn’t have too much of an impact on him at all.

“On top of that, we have consulted with our closest neighbour throughout the planning process and he has been very supportive.”

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News of the feedlot has also been welcomed by local stock agents including Gunnedah stock agent Guy Gallen who said the proposed feedlot would be a positive outcome for the region.

“Without a doubt it is always pleasing to see new potential buyers enter the local market,” Mr Gallen said.

“I think this could lead to very positive outcomes for the community as the flow on into the community with things like feed will also be very welcome.”

The Jacob Anderson stock agent said another feedlot in the local area was a “positive step for the local industry”.

“In my opinion it shows a great deal of confidence in our local markets,” he said.

“To expand is a positive move and you wouldn’t do that unless you had confidence in the local industry.

“Really, it is good news all round.”

Liverpool Plains Shire Council mayor Andrew Hope said the unanimous decision by councillors to back the feedlot came off the back of an “excellent application”.

“This country runs off the back of small businesses like this one,” Cr Hope said.

“As a council we are very focused on economic development within our shire and this project was one we were keen to get behind.

“Mr Ward has come to the party and put together an excellent application and that has lead to a very smooth negotiation process between the two parties.” 

Cr Hope said included in the application was a promise for Mr Ward to maintain the road surrounding the feedlot.

“As well as having a positive impact on the local economy through the purchase of stock and fodder, the feedlot will also see a boost to the local transport industry, therefore it was a priority of council to ensure the integrity of the road was maintained,” he said.

“Once again, Mr Ward came to the party and agreed to do his fair share of work to ensure the road was repaired before the application was approved.

“He also agreed to do his bit to maintain the road going forward in the future, which is very pleasing.”