As a long-term resident of Skinners Shoot, I am writing to express my concern that the article ‘Piggery plans on exhibition’ (Echo, May 1,) has not represented the views of the 66 residents of Skinners Shoot who have written submissions to Council opposing this large and inappropriate development.
Of the 52 submissions the proponent submitted with the development application (DA) only three can be attributed to residents of Skinners Shoot, and therefore are unlikely to be adversely impacted by it. Two live at the property where the development will occur.
One of the main concerns of the residents is the resulting large increase in traffic movements on roads that already do not meet Council’s engineering standards for the current number of vehicle movements. The statement that the developer has addressed this concern adequately is untrue. Sadly, there have been a number of deaths on the road, and the condition of the road is generally very poor, and cannot be improved without clearing of significant wildlife habitat.
The road and adjacent land is an important corridor for wildlife, with frequent sightings of swamp wallabies, coastal pythons, echidna, and koalas. Inevitably, more traffic will result in increased mortality of wildlife. The Friends of the Koala has expressed serious concerns regarding the impact of this development.
The proposed development is inconsistent with the existing character, scale and amenity of the locality, and suggests that there are future expanded commercial activities intended for such a massive site. $22.2 million for a 45-seat restaurant and roadside stall? Really?
The proponent is claiming to involve and connect with the community, but is ignoring the massive and unsustainable impact of the development on the Skinners Shoot neighbourhood community. This is another example of a long list of developments that erode what is left of the amenity and community of long-term residents of the shire for the benefit of a few absentee investors.
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. 
