Aviagen Australia has been given a green light to build its “pedigree poultry import facility” at an old Ladysmith dairy farm, which will see fertilised eggs brought in from overseas as part of the massive poultry industry.

However, neighbours were less than impressed with the unanimous approval from councillors, which came despite their fears about vermin, noise, smell and lowering land values.

Ladysmith businessman Geoff Willis said some of his neighbours might put up a fight over the decision, but he thought it was a lost cause.

“I thought it was from the start, they’d already made up their mind,” Mr Willis said.

“There was no consideration given to our thoughts, no one from council came and approached me. The councillors said how bad it was that Aviagen didn’t consult us but council didn’t either.”

Aviagen spokesman Wayne Miller said prior to submitting the development application, the company was advised consultation was council’s responsibility.

“We’re disappointed in ourselves, the advice we got was that discussion and notification was council’s responsibility and we shouldn't be involved in that,” Mr Miller said. “We’ve endeavoured to rectify that... but it was a bad call by us.”

Speaking to councillors prior to the approval, neighbouring landowner Margaret Orman recited a list of concerns including traffic, noise and land values.

“I believe there may be a significant devalue of land prices… particularly those homes close to the facility,” Ms Orman said.

“I’ve spoken to a valuer in Wagga who agreed there will be a reduction in land values of the surrounding properties. Residents paid large sums to reside in this small, quiet, peaceful hamlet… I don’t believe this is in the interest of neighbours or the wider community.” 

A council report stated neighbours’ concerns had been addressed and since it was a rural enterprise with appropriate zoning, approval was recommended. 

Mr Miller said the fears were “quite unfounded”, since there were significant regulatory conditions surrounding a quarantine facility.

“I’m confident they’ll be pleasantly surprised,” Mr Miller said.