Wagga’s first agri-tourism venture has been given the green light after council unanimously approved the development of a ‘pick your own’ strawberry farm in Wagga’s northern suburbs.
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Agricultural scientist and site developer, Michael Cashen, delivered his final pitch for the $450,000 project to council during Monday’s ordinary meeting.
The proposed has previously come under scrutiny due to its proximity to Wagga's sewage treatment plant however earth testing has found "no risk" of contamination.
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During the meeting, Cr Dan Hayes raised concerns with the development’s potential impact on future growth for the sewage facility and consequent increase in odour however council staff refuted this claim in accordance with their earlier report.
Cr Paul Funnell and Cr Rod Kendall were open advocates of the venture, the former making note of the development’s utility.
"It opens up opportunities and makes a use of land that would otherwise not be used,” Cr Funnell told the meeting.
"What this does is open up opportunities for development...without breaking legislation.”
Cr Kendall expressed some concern over the flood risk but said he would happily support the development.
"The flood risk should be looked at particularly carefully ... however we've heard the site won't be subject to great flood damage," he said.
"Given its proximity to the City of Wagga, this will become a tourist attraction."
