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LODDON Shire Council will work with the operator of a greyhound breeding facility north of Bendigo to bring it to the required standard after the state’s planning tribunal refused to grant it a permit.
The facility at Campbells Forest, which houses about 30 greyhounds, had not met its requirements on two previous permits since 2006 before Loddon Shire voted to refuse a third permit in October.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal heard the matter earlier this month, and backed the council’s decision after finding the operator had not provided enough information about effluent disposal, acoustics and visual impact.
In the ruling, presiding VCAT member Geoffrey Code said there were too many “uncertainties” with the greyhound training facility.
“Insufficient evidence was led on these matters that would enable us to properly assess and determine the merits of the proposal,” he said.
“In some proceedings, permit conditions can be imposed to address uncertainties with the proposals and their impacts. The extent of the uncertainties in this proposal mean this option is not open to us.
“No permit will be granted.”
The operator had applied to house up to 60 greyhounds at the site, which includes three kennel buildings and adjoining runs, no reticulated water or sewerage, and no fixed dwelling on the land.
In 2006, the operator applied to breed and rear greyhounds. Seven years later, another application was made to Loddon Shire to keep greyhounds. Both applications expired due to a lack of information.
The operator applied for a third time in February 2014, which was eventually refused. VCAT stated it was “regrettable” Loddon Shire had taken 21 months to consider the permit. Councillors voted against the permit despite officers recommending its approval.
VCAT also found it was unlikely there would be people at the property at all times, and there was little information about the plan to double the number of greyhounds.
The permit received six objections, with concerns about noise, animal welfare issues and possible pollution of a nearby waterway.
At the facility, liquid waste from the greyhounds is “disposed of directly to the soil” as the kennels are not hard paved.
Loddon Shire chief executive officer Phil Pinyon said the council would work with the operator to help bring the facility to the required standard.
“At the present, we’re working with the operator so that he can comply with the directions,” he said.
“We are prepared to give him a bit of time, but not too much.
“In the meantime, he will cease use of the site.”
Mr Pinyon said the operator had started to remove animals, and is expected to have all animals removed in order to upgrade the facility.
In the submissions, the operator of the greyhound facility presented evidence stating there was no significant risk to nearby waterways and noise levels were not elevated, as neighbouring dwellings are more than 500 metres away.
VCAT members ruled the evidence had “little weight” however, as the reports did not meet VCAT guidelines.