Westpork have been approved to proceed with a Boar Artificial Insemination Centre in Bullsbrook. The initial application was denied by City of Swan due to concerns over animal welfare and impact on community however upon re-application, permission has been granted with conditions.

In signing this petition, adding my name and contact details, I am declaring my opposition to the construction of this facility - Artificial Insemination Centre - Lot 1780 (No.46) Gaston Road, Bullsbrook (DA214-20).

We believe City of Swan acted against the wishes of the community by granting approval for development. In public consultation 227 out of 234 submissions were objections.

Even with the conditions outlined by City of Swan, we have reason to doubt that the facility will fall in line with community expectations of animal welfare. The DA do not demonstrate adequate ability to comply with the Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals. 

One specific concern is that, inspection under appointment (condition 1.4) will not allow City of Swan inspectors to adequately ensure Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals, are being upheld. 

The initial application was denied due to the following factors, which concern both animal welfare and community impact. We still do not believe these concerns have been adequately addressed. 

Reasons for initial rejection: 

1. The application does not meet the objectives of the General Rural Zone...In effect, it will restrict the ‘range of productive rural activities’.

2. The name given in the DA for the facility, is inconsistent with its intended purpose and should be given a more appropriate title and have the class of business re-assessed.

3. The vertical separation distances from carcass composting areas to groundwater has not been determined and should be determined prior to any application being supported, as stated would be done by September 2020.

4. The DA does not make clear if the composting of pig carcasses on-site has been considered in the assessment of odour that will emanate from the facility.

5. There are existing residences, in a proximity to the piggery that will be impacted by noise, smell and dust, that will be made worse by prevailing winds.

Note: In accordance with State Planning Policy (SPP) 2.5 (d) it is within the remit of the City of Swan Council to make reference to animal husbandry practices and as these practices are submitted as part of the application, it is within our right to make an assessment of the standards being submitted by the applicant. Our right to do so is also supported in LPS17 10.2 z), za) and zb)

6. The DA has not demonstrated compliance with the same code of practice it states it will be compliant with “(at a minimum)”. The development application does not provide for the basic needs of pigs as provided in:

The Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Pigs; 3rd edition (1 May 2008) 1.1 states The basic needs of pigs are: (among other needs listed) Opportunity to display appropriate patterns of behaviour. It is considered that the manner in which these pigs will be kept does not provide for those pigs to undertake appropriate patterns of behaviour. Specifically, 4.1.8 Where boars are kept constantly in stalls they must be released for use for mating or exercised at least twice per week. (emphasis added). This DA has not demonstrated how or when this is to occur. The provision for structures or yards to fulfil this ‘standard’ has not been provided.

7. In accordance with SPP 2.5 Rural Planning 5.7 (v) outdoor pens or roaming areas for animals. The provision of such pens (in plans submitted) has not been included, and, if implemented would produce additional and compounding issues related to proximity to nearby residences, noise and odour, that have not been assessed in this application. The construction of more ‘outbuildings’ would require a further assessment of the required buffer zone, as well as odour, noise and dust.

8. The schedule for the cleaning of stalls (every six weeks) as provided in the DA does not meet the Standard 4.5.1 within the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Pigs; 3rd edition (1 May 2008) related to the accumulation of faeces and urine and will not provide for a clean area for the pigs to lie down.

9. The application is considered inconsistent with 5.9 Rural Character as provided in Local Rural Planning Strategy 2016.

10. The application will create land use conflict with existing uses, as identified in 5.7 of Local Rural Planning Strategy 2016.

11. Stable fly management measures have not been provided for in the application to demonstrate effective management of the stable fly problem.

12. Temperature extremes in the Bullsbrook area are well documented and the measures to regulate the environs and ensure there is appropriate back-up cooling measures (as per 4.2.4 of the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Pigs; 3rd edition (1 May 2008)) have not been demonstrated.

13. The distance of 60m from Morley Road is not an acceptable buffer from nearby roads.

14. As per SPP 2.5 Rural Planning and under the heading 5.7 Animal Premises (a), it is considered that the rural amenity impact cannot be effectively managed.

15. Due to the potential for contamination of the Ellen Brook waterway, it is considered that monitoring measures need to be implemented.