Chook plan hatched By Melissa Grant

FEARSMaryknoll’s chicken population could explode have prompted civic leaders to push for a broiler farm to be subdivided.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson is concerned that changes to the broiler code could see the number of chickens on a Snell Road broiler farm more than double.
The current owners of the broiler farm, home to about 72,000 birds, are looking to sell the property .
Cr Pearson said he would prefer to see the property subdivided rather than be sold to another broiler operater, fearing the farm could one day house 150,000 chickens.
“The broiler code is being reviewed by the (State) Government,” he said.
“I’m concerned if they bring in some of the changes we would go back to the bad old days of broiler farms.
“They could knock down the three old sheds and you could possibly get three sheds of 50,000 birds (each).
“I would love to see it subdivided because it would be better for the township.”
Cr Pearson said the issue of the broiler farm’s future had been a long running saga which had divided Maryknoll residents for more than five years.
Councillors last week voted unanimously to authorise the preparation of an amendment to the Cardinia Planning Scheme to facilitate the removal of a broiler farm.
The vote came after a recent local referendum on the issue, which showed residents overwhelmingly supported the proposal.
“It was a clear two to one in favour,” Cr Pearson said.
He said although the broiler farm continued to operate legally, as it has done so for 30 years, most agreed it was inappropriately located.
If the subdivision goes ahead, 23 lots with a minimum area of 0.8 hectares will be created. Cr Pearson said it was timely to push for the subdivision as the State Government was looking to fast-track such projects.
“There’s several millions of dollars of work there,” he said.
“It’s really important now because it creates jobs.”
The matter has been referred to Planning Minister Justin Madden.