Rutherglen residents are furious that contaminated waste has been transported from avian influenza exclusion zones near Euroa to Agriculture Victoria’s Rutherglen Research Facility, without the Council’s knowledge.
Depopulated birds, poultry litter and eggs were transported to the facility last week.
Indigo Shire CEO Trevor Ierio said the council was not consulted or had any involvement in the issuing of permits approving the disposal.
Agriculture Victoria advised that the activities were carried out on the Victorian Government-owned site and were being managed under emergency provisions of the Livestock Disease Control Act and did not require a permit from Indigo Shire Council.
Works on the Victorian Government owned site do not require a permit from Indigo Shire Council and are being managed by Agriculture Victoria in accordance with permits issued by the Environment Protection Authority.
The council’s Facebook page showed residents significant safety concerns, questioning why contaminated waste was transported away from the exclusion zone, and why Indigo Shire Council was not given the courtesy of being informed.
