Carrathool Shire Council has approved a significant expansion of the local poultry industry, while securing critical upgrades to local infrastructure as a condition of consent.

At the November 18 meeting, Council approved three Development Applications from VOAG Pty Ltd to construct additional broiler sheds at their Tabbita complex. The expansion involves adding eight sheds each to Farms 4 and 5, and seven sheds to Farm 1. This development increases the capacity of the farms, with each shed capable of housing over 66,000 birds.

A major point of discussion during the meeting was the impact of the expansion on local roads, specifically Tysons Road. The development is expected to generate Section 7.12 developer contributions totalling $391,000. During the meeting, debate arose regarding how these funds should be utilised, with a focus on ensuring the developer contributes to maintaining the road network they utilise heavily.

Councillors voted to impose a specific condition of consent requiring the sealing of Tysons Road. The resolution stipulates that the sealed section from the Kidman Way across the railway line be resealed, and the remainder of the sealed section be upgraded to a seven-metre width for approximately one kilometre.

During the discussion, the Mayor noted that while the developer contributions are often designated for community facilities, it was "not unreasonable" to allocate funds to roadworks given the scale of the operation and the profits generated. One councillor noted that compared to the developer's investment, the cost of the road repair was "chicken feed".

The motion to approve the applications with the roadworks condition was carried unanimously.