Council defers pig farm decision despite expert rejection over water risk
Dungog council deferred the pig farm after experts rejected it over drinking water contamination risks.
The council delayed a decision on a 60-hectare pig farm for Upper Allyn. The steep land gets 975mm of rain yearly.
The plan is for six breeding sows, two boars and about 60 piglets. Staff and an expert said the site cannot safely handle waste runoff into the drinking water catchment.
The delay lets the applicant address concerns. Author Jane Caro said the site breaks the pork industry's own rules.
They call for flat land and rainfall below 750mm yearly. The Allyn River has platypus and is the headwater of a pristine river system.
Nearby homes draw drinking water directly from the river. The land is steep, ranging from 10 to 45 degrees.
- 975mm average, 1,300mm last year
- Rainfall at site
- 10 to 45 degrees
- Land steepness
- No higher than 750mm
- Industry rainfall guideline
- September 16
- Council meeting date
Why it mattersThe decision overrides expert recommendations and puts a pristine river system at risk of contamination from runoff in heavy rainfall.
AustraliaNSW rural residents relying on river water for drinking may face quality risks if the farm is later approved despite expert warnings.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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