The petition opposing the proposed Blantyre Farms piggery in Harden has drawn ridicule from an Upper House member, who said the local council should not be swayed by international opinions.
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NSW Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MLC Robert Brown has voiced his disappointment over the suggestion the change.org petition could be a factor in the Harden Shire Council’s decision regarding the piggery proposal.
Mr Brown urged Harden Shire Council to listen to local residents and disregard the petition, which has received more than 25,000 signatures, many of which come from national animal activist groups.
"I was surprised to learn the council may be considering the petition, because it should really only consider local opinions,” he said.
“These petitions are formed by national animal rights organisations, which have nothing to do with the locality of Harden.”
Mr Brown said that while everybody should be able to express their views on the issue, the council should ignore the “stupid” petition and only make decisions based on what was best for the local shire population.
“My message to the council is to apply yourself to your duty to the shire of Harden, not people outside it,” he said.
“If the people of Harden want the piggery and it meets planning and environmental regulations, then the people of Harden should get it.”
Founder of Facebook page Say No to Blantyre Farms Lisa Ryan said Mr Brown made the “inaccurate assumption” that no locals opposed the piggery, given the development application received more than 800 complaints.
“There’s definitely a local movement against the piggery and plenty of locals have signed this petition and spoken out against its development,” she said.
“While Mr Brown is correct in saying an online petition does not need to be accepted by the council, it should listen to such an overwhelming show of opposition to the piggery.”
