Effectively Control Ants On A Budget

How do you control ants in a commercial and domestic situation without spending a fortune.

Try this proven method, please take note as it is very complicated

• Borax - Get it from Bunnings in the Cleaning, laundry section
• Icing Sugar - yep ordinary icing sugar from your supermarket

Mix both together of equal portions

Sprinkle on ant trail or even better track the ants and sprinkle all around the nest

Doesn't get much easier than that.

Compliments Redgum Village

News On Renewable Energy Projects In WA

Having invested millions of dollars over many years in an uncertain regulatory environment, Western Australian private power station developers are now facing further delays due to proposed changes to the electricity market.

Business News understands eight power stations seeking connection to the electricity network are currently under assessment; 

• four wind projects, 

• two solar, 

• one biomass and 

• one diesel-fired peaking plant.

One developer (wishing to remain anonymous) told Business News it had invested $1 million since applying to Western Power to join the grid more than four years ago, and was growing increasingly frustrated with delays.

Among the renewable energy proponents are: 

•     WestGen, which is developing separate solar and biomass projects in the states south; Moonies           Hill Energy, which is developing the second stage of its Flat Rocks wind farm near Kojonup; 

•    And a foreign based company, which recently bought the Waddi wind farm development site near      Dandaragan, about 170 kilometres north of Perth.

It’s believed the other solar developer is Greenough River Solar Farm, which is seeking an expansion of what is currently WAs only utility scale solar farm.

Moora - Dandaragan Projects

Infigen, which owns the 89-megawatt wind farm, known variously as the Alinta (it’s off-taker) or Walkaway wind farm, near Geraldton, told Business News while it was interested in expanding this asset, it was not currently being assessed as one of the eight developments.

It’s understood the eight projects under consideration could add about 500-MW of power to WA’s electricity industry, with the majority of the projects offering state-owned Synergy the opportunity to meet its federally mandated large-scale renewable generation obligations from 2018.

Synergy recently put out expressions of interest to procure a total of 500,000 renewable generation certificates (equivalent to 500,000-MWh) per annum from 2018.

These certificates do not necessarily have to come from renewable energy power stations within WA, but its expected there would be a backlash from the local renewable energy industry if Synergy turned to providers from outside WA.

Western Power, which runs the Competing Applications Group process, known as CAG, for power station developers wishing to join the grid said it understood that some customers were frustrated with the time being taking to carry out the process.

A Western Power executive manager said the state-owned operator of WA’s electricity network had a responsibility to ensure proposed connections to the grid were safe, reliable, and maintained the security of the state’s electricity supply.

He said the current review of WA’s electricity market, in particular transferring the management of the electricity system to the national body the Australian Energy Market Operator, while positive, meant Western Power was reassessing the impact this would have on bringing new power stations online.

He said whether a project used renewable energy or not was not a factor in determining if it was allowed to connect to the grid.

compliments of:

https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Headwinds-buffet-power-hopefuls

Cataby Abattoir

HIGHLY regarded Western Australian grazing property Joanna Plains has Plans for a Boutique Abattoir

Carpenter International sold the 9500ha property, located near Cataby, 140km north of Perth, to a newly-formed joint venture involving two stakeholders.

New owner, the Central Agri Group, represents a partnership between Lawsons Angus, Australia’s largest Angus beef seedstock producer; and Shark Lake Food Group, the operator of the export lamb and beef abattoir near Esperance.

Victorian-based Lawsons has had a long-standing bull breeding and marketing business in Western Australia, with owners earlier spending three years in the west, developing the enterprise.

The buyers say they plan to complete a partially-built abattoir on the site, ‘in due course’.

The new business aims to create a world-class integrated beef supply business at an attractive time in the beef economic cycle, the joint venture spokesman.

Carpenter Beefs general manager will head up the new group, which has been formed to expand the integrated supply chain of high quality Angus and Wagyu brands into global markets.

“The new Central Agri business model will create the integrated seedstock and breeding company that we need to secure supply for our export Angus programs,”

“Lawsons Angus has been our major genetics supplier for twenty years so it really isn’t a major change to our strategy,” he said.
“Our integration into Central Agri Group will enable us to expand the business significantly and better serve Lawsons Angus customers in WA and on the East coast.”

“This is a great result for Carpenter Beef and WA agriculture in general,”

“Our Japanese customers are looking to increase the volume of high quality grainfed Angus, and we wanted to secure a supply of cattle with the right genetics to fit that market.
For a long time our company has recognized the value of Lawsons Angus genetics and the consistency in producing a high quality product.”

“Our Japanese customers want to open the box and find the same eating quality every time. This is only possible with a long-term disciplined approach to every part of the supply chain starting with the genetics.”

The Joanna Plains farm at Cataby will continue to be used as a custom feedlot for northern producers as well as a facility for finishing cattle to be slaughtered at the Shark Lake abattoir.

The feedlot has in the past fed up to 13,000 head.
The 10,000 head backgrounding facility will be expanded to include a  Lawsons Angus Bull Unit and Research Centre.

Head of Lawsons Angus said the Joanna Plains sale represented a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“We are excited to be part of a dynamic fully-integrated breeding company.

The facility we have at Joanna Plains is a similar concept to that used by our US partners, Gardiner Angus Ranch,” he said in a statement.

Gardiner Ranch, one of the largest US seedstock suppliers, also operates a large commercial cattle business built around progeny buyback schemes among co-operator breeders using Gardiner Ranch genetics.

“Central Agri Group will offer our clients in the East and the West an opportunity to work with the end-customer and see the value of their genetics in a transparent way,” he said.

“Having a fully traceable supply chain including genetics puts us in a truly unique position,” he said.

The sale comes after years of speculation about the future of the 8700ha grazing property near Cataby, where construction of a boutique-scale abattoir stopped in 2007 after owner Ric Stowe’s business empire collapsed.

With Central Agri’s ‘multimillion-dollar cash injection’, the property is likely to boast a 400-head-a day abattoir, feedlots and prime grazing land.

Redgum Village Dandaragan

Who Really Won The Melbourne Cup?

Did you watch the Melbourne cup? What a way to recognise female jockeys. What a great boost for people with Down syndrome. What a race.

This Melbourne cup no. 155 will be fondly remembered for all the right reasons.

Betting odds of over 100 to 1 with Michelle Payne, the jockey whom has raced Prince of Penzance 23 of 24 starts and her brother Steven Payne the strapper.
Made even more memorable by Steven being challenged with Down Syndrome, and Michelle being the first female jockey to win the CUP certainly made this a fairy tale event.

Some quick facts on Prince of Penzance:

·       NZ bred from sire “Pentire” and Dam “Royal Successor”

·       From the Sire of Dam “Mr Prospector”.

·       Bought from vendor Rich Hill Stud

·       Buyer John Foote Bloodstock pty ltd.

·       Paid $50,000

·       Prize money of $4.4M before Melbourne Cup 2015

·       6 yo Gelding, born 20/11/2009

·       Trained in the Ballarat Forest Lodge stable by Darren Weir.

·       Owned by A McGregor, A T Broadfoot, Galadi Holdings, Dalton racing and three syndicates

·       Won the race that stops a nation in fine style 2015.

Michelle’s winning speech certainly made it crystal clear of the issues faced by female jockeys, even from some of the horses owners.
Quote from The Guardian: 

“My sister Margaret and I both had a feeling we would win this race. It’s such a chauvinistic sport, a lot of the owners wanted to kick me off. Everyone else can get stuffed [who] think women aren’t good enough.

It was certainly a reward to both the owner in particular that did encourage Michelle to be the jockey and the trainer that she did race this horse.
The added bonus to secure not only the victory but a couple firsts in the history books as first female jockey to win this great race and Darren Weir first win as a trainer is nothing short of phenomenal.

Well done to all concerned and let’s see more of an equal opportunity for the woman of sports dominated by males. 

That doesn’t mean give girls more opportunity than their male counterparts but fair recognition and acceptance of whom is best for the job, male or female.
Any position should be earnt through training, perseverance, self-belief, determination and the will to win. 

 10 Quickie facts of Michelle Payne (courtesy of the Herald Sun)

·       Michelle was born in September 1985 and grew up on a property near Ballarat in central Victoria.

·       Her mum Mary died in a car crash when she was just six months old. Michelle has said in the past that her dad Paddy would talk to her daily about how much he loved Mary.

·       Michelle is the youngest of 10 kids. She has racing blood running through her veins and is the eighth Payne child to become a jockey - five of her older sisters and two brothers have also spent time as jockeys. Brother Patrick is now a well known trainer in Victoria.

·       Michelle rode her first race on Reigning, a horse trained by her dad, when she was just 15. And she won.

·       In March 2004, Payne had a horrific fall while racing at Sandown. Thrown headfirst onto the track she suffered a fractured skull and bruising on the brain. Her family begged her to retire from the profession but she resisted.

·       Payne’s first Group 1 win came in 2009. Riding Allez Wonder for the late Bart Cummings, she was victorious in the Toorak Handicap.

·       The next month Cummings offered Payne a ride in the Caulfield Cup where she became only the third female jockey to do so.

·       Michelle has said she believes her mum rides on her shoulder with her and has protected her in a number of big falls she’s had since Sandown.

·       Before the Melbourne Cup she had amassed prizemoney of more than $20 million on the horses she had ridden.

·       Michelle Payne became the first woman ever to win the Melbourne Cup when she rode Prince of Penzance - with odds of more than $100-1.

Horse Racing was the winner of this year’s Emirates Melbourne Cup

Transerv Energy Dandaragan - Badgingarra

Original PDF Here 

Joanna Plains Cataby

HIGHLY regarded Western Australian grazing property Joanna Plains has changed hands after private negotiations, for an undisclosed sum.

Carpenter International sold the 9500ha property, located near Cataby, 140km north of Perth, to a newly-formed joint venture involving two stakeholders.

>New owner, the Central Agri Group, represents a partnership between Lawsons Angus, Australia’s largest Angus beef seed-stock producer; and Shark Lake Food Group, the operator of the export lamb and beef abattoir near Esperance.

Victorian-based Lawsons has had a long-standing bull breeding and marketing business in Western Australia, with Harry Lawson and wife Ruth earlier spending three years in the west, developing the enterprise.

Full Published story here....

http://www.beefcentral.com/property/property-was-noted-joanna-plains-changes-hands/

The buyers say they plan to complete a partially-built abattoir on the site, ‘in due course’.

The new business aims to create a world-class integrated beef supply business at an attractive time in the beef economic cycle, joint venture spokesman Harry Lawson said.

Carpenter Beef general manager John Berkefeld will head up the new group, which has been formed to expand the integrated supply chain of high quality Angus and Wagyu brands into global markets.

“The new Central Agri business model will create the integrated seed-stock and breeding company that we need to secure supply for our export Angus programs,” Mr Berkefeld said.

“Lawsons Angus has been our major genetics supplier for twenty years so it really isn’t a major change to our strategy,” he said. “Our integration into Central Agri Group will enable us to expand the business significantly and better serve Lawsons Angus customers in WA and on the East coast.”

“This is a great result for Carpenter Beef and WA agriculture in general,” Mr Berkefeld said.

“Our Japanese customers are looking to increase the volume of high quality grain fed Angus, and we wanted to secure a supply of cattle with the right genetics to fit that market. For a long time our company has recognized the value of Lawsons Angus genetics and the consistency in producing a high quality product.”

“Our Japanese customers want to open the box and find the same eating quality every time. This is only possible with a long-term disciplined approach to every part of the supply chain starting with the genetics.”

The Joanna Plains farm at Cataby will continue to be used as a custom feedlot for northern producers as well as a facility for finishing cattle to be slaughtered at the Shark Lake abattoir. The feedlot has in the past fed up to 13,000 head.

The 10,000 head backgrounding facility will be expanded to include a  Lawsons Angus Bull Unit and Research Centre.

Lawsons Angus head Harry Lawson said the Joanna Plains sale represented a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“We are excited to be part of a dynamic fully-integrated breeding company. The facility we have at Joanna Plains is a similar concept to that used by our US partners, Gardiner Angus Ranch,” he said in a statement.

Gardiner Ranch, one of the largest US seedstock suppliers, also operates a large commercial cattle business built around progeny buyback schemes among co-operator breeders using Gardiner Ranch genetics.

“Central Agri Group will offer our clients in the East and the West an opportunity to work with the end-customer and see the value of their genetics in a transparent way,” Mr Lawson said.

“Having a fully traceable supply chain including genetics puts us in a truly unique position,” he said.

The sale comes after years of speculation about the future of the 8700ha grazing property near Cataby, where construction of a boutique-scale abattoir stopped in 2007 after owner Ric Stowe’s Business Empire collapsed.

With Central Agri’s ‘multimillion-dollar cash injection’, the property is likely to boast a 400-head-a day abattoir, feedlots and prime grazing land.

A New Player For Cataby Abattoir

A new WA-based beef supplier is set to be launched to focus on the world’s premium markets based near Dandaragan.

Carpenter Beef has sold the iconic Joanna Plains property to new company Central Agri Group, which was has only recently been incorporated.

Central Agri is backed by Esperance-based export lamb and beef abattoir Shark Lake Food Group and Australia’s biggest Angus beef seedstock producer, Lawsons Angus.

The announcement comes after years of speculation regarding the future of the 8700ha farm near Cataby, where construction of a large-scale abattoir ground to a halt in 2007 in the wake of the collapse of owner Ric Stowe’s empire.

Dandaragan Redgum Village

In a bizarre twist of events it was rumoured earlier this year that Malaysian investors had joined forces with the embattled former owner to finish building the abattoir.

With Central Agri’s multimillion cash injection, the property will boast a 400-head-a-day European standard abattoir, feedlots and prime grazing land that will be a genetics driven “jewel in the crown” of the group, using the facilities to employ American breeding principles to inject extra value for their supply chain stakeholders.

Plans are also under way to incorporate a world-leading research centre and Angus bull unit to offer partner breeders sophisticated genetic information on potential sires.

It is an attractive time in the beef economic cycle, with world prices continuing to boom.

Carpenter Beef general manager John Berkfield will head up the new group, which will be a one-stop-shop for the supply of Angus and Wagyu brands into global markets.

The combination of an integrated seed stock and breeding company will secure supply for the new company’s export programs.

The Joanna Plains farm will continue to be used as a custom feed-lot for northern producers as well as a facility for finishing cattle to be slaughtered at Shark Lake.

A 10,000 head backgrounding facility on the farm will be expanded to include the research centre and bull unit and complete the partially built abattoir by early next year.

“Lawsons Angus has been our major genetics supplier for twenty years so it really isn’t a major change to our strategy,” Mr Berkfield said.

“Our integration into Central Agri Group will enable us to expand the business significantly and better serve Lawsons Angus customers in WA and on the East coast.

“This is a great result for Carpenter Beef and agriculture in general because our Japanese customers are looking to increase the volume of high quality grain-fed Angus.”

Mr Berkfield said the new company was formed to secure a supply of cattle with the right genetics to fit that market.

“For a long time our company has recognised the value of Lawsons Angus genetics and the consistency in producing a high quality product for our Japanese customers who want to open the box and find the same eating quality every time,” he said.

“This is only possible with a long term disciplined approach to every part of the supply chain starting with the genetics.”

compliments of Rueben Hale of the online west australian

Guests Dropping into Redgum Village

The title says it all really " guests drop into Redgum village Danadaragn near Moora"
When your work involves flying a chopper to inspect transmission lines in the dandaragan moora region and you need accommodation for a few nights well yeah drop in!!

The Aeropower crew did just that and we were able to meet all their requirements. They were also comfortable knowing that their chopper could be parked in a safe secure location right where they are staying.
Allows for a stress free sleep.

Plus they had the usual ensuite room all you can eat buffet dinner, a game of pool in the function room, a few beers under the sails and generally just chilled out.

After a cooked hearty breakfast the next day they packed up and flew on out :)

Here is a video of them dropping in

Chopper flying into Dandaragan Redgum Village near Moora

Drop in anytime, you always welcome back.

Bbid to Build Australia's Biggest Commercial Camel Dairy

Former West Australian agriculture minister Kim Chance is hoping to tap into demand for camel milk by building a commercial dairy on his property near Dandaragan, north of Perth.

Topics: animals, food-and-beverage, rural, Dandaragan-6507, Australia, WA

MARK COLVIN: The estimated 300,000 wild camels roaming Australia's outback could be the key to a new and possibly profitable industry.

Feral camels play havoc with the environment and are a constant source of frustration for pastoralists. But a former West Australian agriculture minister wants to milk feral camels on his property near Dandaragan, north of Perth.

There is demand for camel milk, but the venture comes with significant challenges.

Lucy Martin has more.

LUCY MARTIN: It's similar to cow's milk, with a slightly salty kick.

Camel milk might not be to everyone's taste, but it's surprisingly popular, and at $25 a litre, it's known as "white gold".

Former West Australian agriculture minister Kim Chance is looking to capitalise on the demand by building Australia's biggest commercial camel dairy on his farm in the state's mid-west.

KIM CHANCE: We're looking at about 220-225 camels lactating at any one time, so that means we would have about 450 camels on the property. All of our financial projections are done on a five litre per day per camel yield.

LUCY MARTIN: That's more 1,000 litres of milk per day.

The camels will be captured from the desert around Laverton and transformed from outback ferals into calm milking machines.

Mr Chance again.

KIM CHANCE: The people that we have linked with have perfected a means of domesticating the camels to the extent that they can be machine milked.

LUCY MARTIN: The company behind the project, Camilk Australia, will sell pasteurised milk direct to customers and in some specialty shops.

Some unpasteurised milk will also be sold, but it must be clearly marked not for human consumption.

Kim Chance again.

KIM CHANCE: We hope we don't have to look to export for some years yet. The scope of the market is obviously something that's going to be proven in time, however we have an extensive database of people who've indicated that they will be clients. And that database is in the thousands.

LUCY MARTIN: Dr Mike Laurence from Murdoch University's College of Veterinary Medicine says setting up a camel dairy will present some significant challenges.

MIKE LAURENCE: Infrastructure has got to be the first one. Building a dairy to accommodate large numbers of large animals such as camels is going to take quite a lot of careful planning.

So just building the facilities is probably one big thing. The second one is managing their reproduction. I mean, getting milk from an animal, a mammal, is about reproduction, so that's something that a lot of people don't have a lot of experience in, is camel reproduction.

And looking after their health, that would be the other key challenge to running this fairly intensive program that's been suggested.

LUCY MARTIN: The United Nations estimates there's more than 200 million potential camel milk customers worldwide, and the industry could eventually be worth $10 billion.

That hasn't gone unnoticed in Australia. One WA company already produces unpasteurised camel milk, while a Queensland company sells pasteurised milk on a small scale.

Dr Laurence says more players in the market means more research and development.

MIKE LAURENCE: What drives research into animal production is where there is a viable industry. So if it looks like camel dairying is going to become one of the emerging industries in our state, then the research dollars will flow. And I think it will be a cycle that feeds on itself.

LUCY MARTIN: The Shire of Dandaragan recently granted planning approval for the dairy, and the next step is for Camilk Australia to secure investors.

Kim Chance again.

KIM CHANCE: We can be in production within two months if everything falls correctly, and if our trigger point on the capital-raising is reached. We're actually very close to that trigger point.

LUCY MARTIN: The other challenge: finding enough camels.

KIM CHANCE: There has been rain in the fringe between the desert and pastoral country, and obviously that's great news for pastoralists, but not great news for us, because it means the camels move further into the desert. And the flow of camels might be a bit intermittent.

LUCY MARTIN: Despite the challenges, Mr Chance is confident the dairy will be underway within two months.

MARK COLVIN: Lucy Martin.

Updated 5 May 2015

Revoke Of Order To Temporary Close A Portion Of Caro Road

REVOKE OF ORDER TO TEMPORARY CLOSE A PORTION OF CARO ROAD FOR MINING PURPOSES FROM APRIL 2015

Location: Caro Road, Cataby

Applicant: Iluka Resources

Folder Path: Business Classification Scheme / Roads / Road Closures / Temporary

Disclosure of Interest: None
Date: 9 June 2015

Author:  Planning Officer

Signature of Author:

Senior Officer:  Manager Planning

Signature of Senior Officer:

PROPOSAL It has come to the attention of staff the closure of a portion of Caro road is not ready to be completed due to Tronox mining camp still requiring access to the road. Council is asked to revoke its decision of 26 March 2015 to close the road from April 2015 and resolve to repeat the public notice period on notification from Iluka Resources once the Tronox camp has commenced relocation.

BACKGROUND At its ordinary meeting 28 August 2014 Council considered an application by Iluka Resources to mine through a portion of Caro Road, Cataby. At its meeting Council resolved to:

That Council commence public notice in accordance with the Local government Act 1995 to close portion of Caro Road, Cataby for the purposes of mining commencing from April 2015 for a period of 10 years.

Following the above process, the proposal was taken back to Council and at its meeting 26 March 2015 Council resolved to:

That Council order the temporary closure of portion of Caro Road, Cataby for the purposes of mining commencing from April 2015 for a period of 10 years or the cessation of mining activities whichever occurs sooner subject to:

1. In pursuance of Section 3.50 of the Local Government Act 1995 the CEO forward a copy of the local public notice to the Commissioner of Main Roads;

2. The applicant arrange alternative access with Fire and Emergency Services;

3. The applicant complies with the requirements of Telstra;

4. The applicant complies with the requirements of Western Power;

5. The applicant liaises with APA group in regards to working in the vicinity of an underground gas pipeline and access arrangements; and

6. On cessation of mining activity within the road reserve, the road is to be restored to the satisfaction of the CEO and at the cost of the applicant.

More Information in the Moora Dandaragan Region Here

It has since been discovered the road cannot be closed due to Tronox mining camp still requiring access to Caro Road and the road cannot be closed until the camp is relocated.

COMMENT To rectify this issue and to re-open the road, Council is requested to revoke its order to close the road. Under the Local Government Act 1995 section 3.50:

(6) An order under this section has effect according to its terms, but may be revoked by the local government, or by the Minister, by order of which local public notice is given. Once the order is revoked, all parties contacted during the consultation period will be notified the order has been revoked and the road is not closed.
All parties will be informed they will be contacted again as part of the normal consultation process when the applicant recommences the proposed road closure on confirmation the Tronox mining camp is in the process of relocating.
When a decision is revoked, the application reverts to any previous planning decision. In this case, the decision of Council at its 28 August 2014 remains:

That Council commence public notice in accordance with the Local government Act 1995 to close portion of Caro Road, Cataby for the purposes of mining commencing from April 2015 for a period of 10 years. At this stage, the date in which the road is to be closed is unknown.

It is recommended that Council resolve to repeat the public notice period to close the road on receipt from the applicant the Tronox camp is to be relocated and the road is now ready to be closed.

CONSULTATION Nil at this stage.

If Council agrees to revoke the order and resolve to repeat the public notice period on receipt from the applicant the Tronox camp is relocated and the road is ready to be closed, the public notice period will recommence in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995 section 3.50.

 STATUTORY ENVIRONMENT Local Government Act 1995 Subdivision 5 — Certain provisions about thoroughfares 3.50.
Closing certain thoroughfares to vehicles

(1a) A local government may, by local public notice, order that a  Doc Id: 51458 thoroughfare that it manages is wholly or partially closed to the passage of vehicles for a period exceeding 4 weeks.

(2) The order may limit the closure to vehicles of any class, to particular times, or to such other case or class of case as may be specified in the order and may contain exceptions.

(3) Deleted

(4) Before it makes an order wholly or partially closing a thoroughfare to the passage of vehicles for a period exceeding 4 weeks or continuing the closure of a thoroughfare, the local government is to:
(a) give local public notice of the proposed order giving details of the proposal, including the location of the thoroughfare and where, when, and why it would be closed, and inviting submissions from any person who wishes to make a submission; and
(b) give written notice to each person who —
(i) is prescribed for the purposes of this section; or
(ii) owns land that is prescribed for the purposes of this section; and
(c) allow a reasonable time for submissions to be made and consider any submissions made.

(5) The local government is to send to the Commissioner of Main Roads appointed under the Main Roads Act 1930 a copy of the contents of the notice required by subsection (4)(a).

(6) An order under this section has effect according to its terms, but may be revoked by the local government, or by the Minister, by order of which local public notice is given.

 POLICY IMPLICATIONS There are no policy implications relevant to this item.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are no financial implications relevant to this item.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS The Department of Mines and Petroleum has identified this area as a ‘strategic mineral resource protection area’ for titanium-zircon mineralization.

ATTACHMENTS Circulated with the agenda is the following item relevant to this report:
§ Correspondence from Iluka Resources (Doc Id: 52217) (Marked 9.4.5)

VOTING REQUIREMENT Simple majority –
Officer Recommendations 1 & 3
Absolute majority – Officer Recommendation 2  

If Council wishes to revoke the decision of Council passed at the ordinary meeting held 26 March 2015, it is necessary for at least one third of the members (whether vacant or not) of the Council to support consideration of the matter before the motion can be moved (Administration Regulation 10, Local Government Act 1995).

To be successful, the revocation motion must be carried by an absolute majority.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION 1 That Council agree to consider revoking the resolution for item 9.4.2 from the Council meeting of the 26th March 2015.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION 2 That Council’s decision for item 9.4.2 from the Council meeting held 26 March 2015 being:

 “That Council order the temporary closure of portion of Caro Road, Cataby for the purposes of mining commencing from April 2015 for a period of 10 years or the cessation of mining activities whichever occurs sooner subject to:
1. in pursuance of Section 3.50 of the Local Government Act 1995 the CEO forward a copy of the local public notice to the Commissioner of Main Roads;
2. the applicant arrange alternative access with Fire and Emergency Services;
3. the applicant complies with the requirements of Telstra;
4. the applicant complies with the requirements of Western Power;
5. the applicant liaises with APA group in regards to working in the vicinity of an underground gas pipeline and access arrangements; and
6. on cessation of mining activity within the road reserve, the road is to be restored to the satisfaction of the CEO and at the cost of the applicant”.

be revoked.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION 3 That Council re-initiate the public notice in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995 to close portion of Caro Road, Cataby for the purposes of mining for a period of up to 10 years on commencement of the relocation of the Tronox mining camp. 

Yathroo Camel Dairy Farm Dandaragan

PROPOSED Camel Dairy Lot 51 Koodjee Rd Yathroo, Dandaragan

Location: lot 51 Koodjee Rd Yathroo

Applicant: Camilk Australia Pty Ltd

Date: April 8, 2015

Proposal

The proponent is seeking planning approval for a camel dairy farm located on lot 51 Koodjee road Yathroo

Background

The applicant is seeking approval to keep up to 450 camels and construct a camel dairy for the purpose of producing camel milk for human consumption from approximately 310 camels at lot 51 Koodjee RD Yathroo.

The property comprises of approximately 793 hectares

Lactating camels will be kept in semi-intensive yards measuring 26m x 200m at a rate of 20 camels per yard. Dry camels will be kept in open paddocks of approximately 40 hectares.

Fencing was an issue raised as a concern by the dept. of Parks and Wildlife as there is a nature reserve (Bundarra A23934) within 2km of the proposal. The department advises that there should be sufficient fencing to prevent infestation of the reserve by feral camels (declared pest). The applicants have provided details of the fencing which includes electric fences to ensure that the camels are retained on the property. A copy of the fencing specifications is provided in the attachments.

The proposed dairy will be required to comply with health department guidelines and legislation as the product is intended for human consumption

The objective for "Rural" zoned land in local planning scheme no.7 is

Rural Zone

To provide for range of rural activities such as broadcare and diversified farming so as to retain the rural character and amenity of the locality, in such a way as to prevent land degradation and further loss of biodiversity.

                 

A camel dairy fits under the land use “animal husbandry -

Intensive”. Under the Scheme this is defined as:

“Animal husbandry - intensive” means premises used for keeping,

Rearing or fattening of pigs, poultry (for either egg or meat

Production), rabbits (for either meat or fur production) and other livestock in feedlots.

Agriculture Intensive, Agroforestry, and Animal Husbandry-Intensive are “D” uses (discretionary approval) in a Public Drinking Water Supply Area where Council will have due regard to the potential impact on groundwater quality. The proposed development is not within a public drinking water source reserve.

5.22 PROTECTION OF WATER SOURCES

5.22.2 Groundwater Areas

Groundwater protection areas have been established by the Water

And Rivers Commission (now DEC) known as the Jurien

Groundwater Area and Gingin Groundwater Area.

Landowners and developers are required to obtain a licence prior to the construction of a bore or well on any property for groundwater extraction except for stock or domestic purposes.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife (the previous DEC) and

Department of Water have been consulted on this application.

COMMENT

The Shire and WAPC have adopted the Local Planning Strategy -

Rural Land Use and Settlement 2012 (the Rural Strategy) which provides guidance to Council in assessing this type of application.

The following considerations are taken directly from the Rural

Strategy and comments provided on each consideration.

Local Planning Strategy - Rural Land Use and Settlement 2012

Appendix 2 intensive agriculture planning considerations when assessing a planning application for intensive agriculture

When Council is considering an application for either Agriculture - Intensive, Agroforestry, Animal Husbandry Intensive and Aquaculture it will take into account the following matters;

Strategic considerations

Council will assess the potential impact of the Application and subsequent development to ensure:

Services and infrastructure are adequate, including the road to be used to transport produce and to access the property, power, water and other requirements or can be adequately upgraded which would be the responsibility of the applicant.

Comment: Suitable sealed and gravel roads and provides good access to the site. The applicant is liaising with service authorities to ensure that suitable infrastructure is provided based on the scale of the proposal.

There is no wider potential for land use conflict from things such as spray drift or smoke between existing and proposed use.

Comment: There will be no impact.

It will have no adverse impact on catchment management and ground and surface water.

Comment: The Department of Water have been consulted on the proposal and comments are provided in the attachments.

It will not sterilise land with potential for urban expansion or other long term land needs.

Comment: There is unlikely to be any urban expansion in the vicinity.

Local considerations

Council will assess proposals for intensive agriculture on the ability of the subject land to accommodate the proposed use, and with due consideration of the risk of off-site environmental impacts and conflict with neighbouring land uses. Factors to be addressed by the proponent and subsequently considered by Council include:

The nature and capability of the land.

Comment: The applicant has advised that a small portion of the land has Bassendean Sands and that this has been taken into account in the assessment of the suitability of the land. The property is not within the Bassendean Sands Special Control Area.

The remainder of the land is suitable for general farming including the keeping of stock.

Availability and adequacy of water supply.

Comment: The applicant has advised that there is good quality bore water available on the property for stock and that a rainwater tank will be used for other water needs. There may be a requirement to provide additional bore water of suitable quality and quantity if the Department of Health require.

Sensitivity of adjacent land uses.

Comment: There are no sensitive adjoining land uses.

Remnant vegetation and wetland protection requirements.

Comment: Both dry and milking camels will be kept in fenced areas away from any remnant vegetation.

The proposed site has been cleared.

Comment: The area where both dry and milking camels will be fenced is cleared land.

Crop rotation and / or specific land management requirements.

Comment: Not applicable.

Any particular infrastructure layout or transport access requirements.

Comment: No specific requirements not already addressed.

The requirement for permission to use ground and surface water.

Comment: The applicant is liaising with the Department of Water to satisfy this requirement.

Demonstrate the existing pre-development hydrological regime will be maintained or enhanced where possible.

Comment: The property is not on the 100 year flood plain.

The separation distances and / or buffers with the adjacent uses which are potentially incompatible can be contained on the subject land rather than being a constraint on adjacent land.

Comment: The Bundarra Reserve is within 2 km of the proposal.

The applicants will provide suitable fencing to ensure that camels do not escape into the reserve.

The development impacts can be managed on site.

Comment: There is sufficient land to accommodate the development impacts.

The development should not significantly detract from any scenic landscape and / or conservation attributes identified in the locality.

Comment: The development will not significantly detract from any scenic landscape and / or conservation attributes in the vicinity.

Other matters which may be required to be addressed if requested by Council.

Comment: Nil

It is the officer’s view that if the site is well managed, there will be minimal impact to neighbouring properties and the environment and is therefore, supported with conditions.

CONSULTATION

The proposal was advertised to surrounding landowners (within a

5 - 10 km radius) and to the below government agencies from 12

March to 10 April 2015.

·       Department of Agriculture and Food (Geraldton and Moora)

·       Department of Parks and Wildlife (Geraldton)

·       Department of Health

·       Department of Water (Perth and Geraldton)

STATUTORY ENVIRONMENT

·       Local Planning Scheme No 7

·       Local Planning Strategy - Rural Land Use and Rural Settlement

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

·       SPP 2.5 Land Use Planning in Rural Areas

·       There are no local policy implications relevant to this item

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The applicant has paid a sum of $544.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

·       Shire of Dandaragan Local Planning Strategy - Rural Land Use and Rural Settlement

ATTACHMENTS.

Circulated with the agenda are the following items relevant to this report:

·       Application (Doc Id: 49237)

·       Location Plan (Doc Id: 49237)

·       Elevations (Doc Id: 49237)

·       Submission from Department of Parks and Wildlife (Doc Id:

49221)

·       Submission from Department of Health (Doc Id: 49542)

·       Submission from Department of Agriculture (Doc Id: 49583)

·       Submission from Department of Water (Doc Id: 49582)

(Marked 9.4.2)

VOTING REQUIREMENT

Simple majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION

That Council grant planning approval for a proposed Camel

Dairy Farm on Lot 51 Koodjee Road, Yathroo to Camilk

Australia Pty Ltd subject to the following conditions of approval:

1. The land use and development shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved and stamped plans.

2. The use and development must be substantially commenced within three years of the date of this approval.

3. The maximum number of camels shall be 450.

4. Crossovers, access and egress to the subject site from

Koodjee Road and any road works shall be located and constructed to the satisfaction of the Shire’s Chief

Executive Officer and include all necessary drainage and signage. Costs applicable to the construction of the access point/s onto the site and any related issues shall be borne by the proponent.

5. All internal roadway surfaces within the site are to be constructed of a suitable material such as paving, road base, limestone or course gravel and compacted to limit dust generation, to the satisfaction of the Shire’s Chief

Executive Officer.

6. The use and development must be conducted so that it has minimum impact on the amenity of the area by reason of:

a) Transportation of materials, goods and commodities to and from the premises;

b) Appearance of any buildings, works and materials; and

c) The emission of noise, vibration, dust, wastewater, waste products or reflected light.

7. The operation of the business complies with the Primary

Industries Report Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of

Animals - The Camel.

ADVICE:

Note 1: Further to this approval, the applicant may be required to submit working drawings and specifications to comply with the requirements of the Building Act 2011 and the Health Act 1911 which are to be approved by the Shire’s Manager Building Services and / or Manager Environmental Health prior to issuing a building licence.

Note 2: The Department of Health advises that any form of pest control using pesticides must comply with the Health (Pesticides) Regulations 2011.

Note 3: It is advised that the proposal should at all times comply with the provisions of the Food Act 2008 and related regulations, codes and guidelines and in particular Standard 4.2.4 - Primary Production and Processing Standard for Dairy Products.

Note 4: Approval will be required from the Department of Health and Shire of Dandaragan Environmental Health Officer for any waste water disposal system.

Note 5: Subject to groundwater being available, it is recommended that the proposal is required to be in accordance with the following Department of Water publications:

·       Water quality protection note 12 Dairy processing plants November 2012.

·       Water quality protection note 22 Irrigation with nutrient-rich wastewater JULY 2008.

·       Water quality protection note 70 Wastewater treatment and disposal - domestic systems June 2010.

·       Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines.

Note 6: The proponent may also need to obtain a Works Approval from Department of Environment and Regulation, if production from the premises exceeds 100 tonnes per year, and from which liquid waste is to be discharged onto land or into waters.

Note 7: The Department of Water advised the applicant contact the Swan-Avon Goldfields office to discuss groundwater licensing requirements.

Note 8: The business and operation are to be registered with the Department of Health and required separate approval from the Department of Health.

Note 9: The applicant has received a copy of submissions from:

·       Department of Health;

·       Department of Water;

·       Department of Agriculture and Food;

·       Department of Parks and Wildlife; and have been requested to comply with the relevant government departments.

More info on Dandaragan here