The article in last’s week’s Echo (‘Piggery plans on exhibition’), could not have been more lacking in balance had it been provided by the proponent herself.
As the date of submissions (April 30) had elapsed by the time The Echo hit my driveway, it was similarly useless for any who may have wished to comment.
The fact is that such a large-scale development at the terminus of a dead end at Yagers Lane, off another dead end (Skinners Shoot Rd), serviced by a 4m wide road, is totally inappropriate.
The Skinners Shoot area is one of the most diverse ecological remnants in Byron Shire. Home to swamp wallabies, koalas, echidnas, potoroos, myriad reptiles and bird species, already threatened by vehicular traffic far in excess of the current road standard. Loved by joggers, walkers and cyclists, this beautiful area will be destroyed forever by this iteration of ‘The Farm’ at the dead end. Only one way in and out. Double the chance to add to the roadkill.
The proponent’s vision is to create an Australian version of the Danish restaurant NOMA ($880/head + drinks), with the largest restaurant in Byron Shire (900m2+), along with a food and drinks business. Effectively 6am-12pm, six days a week. The Skinners Shoot community is almost unanimous in its opposition to this egregious proposal, with almost zero community consultation (one poorly informed gathering 18 months ago), and zero sensitivity to the local wildlife and community.
Beware the Trojan Pig – it cannot fly!
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
