Jacquie Scull at her family’s poultry farm in Bunyip which has been given permission to expand. Picture: Mike Richards.
By Paul Dunlop
CHICKENS that are free to roam are winning the hearts of consumers and changing perceptions about an oftenmaligned industry.
Bunyip poultry farmer Jacquie Scull said free range was definitely the dominant trend, both in terms of raising the chickens and ensuring they met an increasinglydiscerning market.
Cardinia Shire Council on Monday gave its support to the Scull family’s plans to expand their operation, allowing for an additional shed to be built on the farm in Pound Road.
The Sculls used to have up to 80,000 chickens on the property but since changing their operation to free range had dropped back to 50,000.
The new shed will enable them to boost numbers back to 80,000 with the chickens having the luxury of extra space. They will also be able to roam outside at times, rather than spend their lives indoors.
Council received 11 objections to the proposal with residents citing concerns about odour and the potential for pollution if waterways became flooded.
There were also fears the proposal would destroy the amenity of the area with increased dust, traffic and noise and that opening the sheds could attract vermin.
Councillors acknowledged that any proposal involving poultry farms was sure to attract opposition.
But they said conditions on the planning permit — almost 40 in all — would ensure concerns were addressed.
Cr Bill Pearson said the Scull family had a good track record and had made a genuine effort to do the right thing by neighbours.
“Chook farmers have a right to exist in rural Victoria and this application is in rural Victoria,” Cr Pearson said.
“I don’t want to be buying chicken from the Phillppines.”
Cr Doug Hamilton said going from a broiler farm to a free range operation would greatly enhance the Sculls’ operation.
Referring to other chicken farmrelated applications Cr Kate Lempriere said it was council did not oppose the industry but wanted to ensure any development was appropriate.
Council’s decision was welcomed by Ms Scull. The vote in favour of the expansion was unanimous.
