Approval was granted in August for the 760 head feedlot to be increased to a 3500 capacity, provided developer and property owner Christian Steenholdt can satisfy the requirements of approval.
The feedlot is located 30km east of Deniliquin.
Edward River Council Mayor Norm Brennan said council took extra time and care to consider the expansion proposal.
He said this was prompted by another controversial feedlot expansion decision in May this year, which neighbouring landholders tried to stop because of what was described as the ‘‘horrendous odour’’.
The development application was originally tabled at council’s July meeting, but was deferred to allow for more thorough site inspections.
‘‘It went through a process and some things will need to be done, which the developer is doing before starting the expansion,’’ Cr Brennan said.
‘‘Christian has been in communication with neighbouring landholders in the last six to nine months, which has helped ensure people have an understanding of the project.
‘‘It is good to see and very pleasing, because that is the way forward.’’
Cr Brennan said the jobs the expansion will create makes the project significant for the community, not just the property owner.
‘‘More jobs means more families in town, and then you have kids going to local schools which makes the schools stronger.
‘‘There are flow-on effects left, right and centre.”
Stage one of the ‘Wyoming’ feedlot started in November of 2016 when council granted consent for the establishment of an ‘‘intensive livestock facility’’ for 760 head dairy cattle.
This included the construction of a 3.18ha earthen feedpad, two feedpens with skillion sheds, three settlement ponds, an effluent drainage pond and reuse sump and associated buildings including commodity shed and hay shed.
The development application approved by council will allow Mr Steenholdt to proceed with stages two and three.
The proposed extension to 3500 head will require the construction of a 15.57ha earthen feedpad, an additional eight feedpens and associated drainage lines, and eight skillion sheds over the pens providing weather protection for cattle. The work will require the removal of 58 trees on the property.
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