By DANE LILLINGSTONE
NINE months after negotiations began between council and GrainX about environmental issues at their Allora site, there is still no resolution in sight with even Southern Downs Regional councillors in the dark on what is currently happening.
The general council meeting produced some heated moments when the topic of GrainX was brought up.
A motion was put forward by Cr Jamie Mackenzie to propose a special meeting between councillors and GrainX representatives to try and further consult on issues surrounding its operation in Allora.
The motion was eventually shot down when Mayor Peter Blundell and Councillors Neil Meiklejohn, Denise Ingram and Jo McNally voted against the meeting leaving Cr Mackenzie, Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley and Cr Vic Pennisi outvoted.
Cr Mackenzie noted that a deadline had passed for the presentation of a Transitional Environmental Program (TEP) report from GrainX but was then informed that council officers had seen it and refused it before consulting with councillors.
Cr Mackenzie was shocked by the revelation saying “officers refused it before we got a chance to refuse it?”
He noted that because GrainX had an existing use land rights that the only way council could do anything about them was through the courts.
“The only way we can control it is by enacting through the court process,” he said.
“Our legal bill will get bigger and bigger.”
However, Mayor Blundell was quick to inform him that the process was ongoing and legal proceedings were not even in the picture.
“That is not what is happening. That is your opinion,” he said.
The mayor said the officer’s call to reject the TEP was their informed decision and they ultimately decided there was not enough.
Councillors are completely in the dark on the current relationship between GrainX and council, with only Mayor Blundell and council officers seemingly knowledgeable about what is going on. There was supposed to be a meeting between the mayor and GrainX after the community meeting in Allora in mid-August but there have been no updates.
The Southern Free Times sought comment from Mayor Blundell on the current status of discussions, if that meeting took place, the response from GrainX and their thoughts on Allora residents’ complaints and received this response from CEO David Keenan.
“Along with Mayor Peter Blundell, I have had discussions with GrainX in an attempt to resolve environmental concerns and allow the company to continue to process and handle grain in the township,” he said.
“We are having ongoing confidential discussions with GrainX to work towards better compliance.”
There are no reasons given as to why these discussions have been secretive or continuously behind closed doors.
The Southern Free Times then contacted GrainX.
A representative said they would not be commenting on anything, and that they were working with the council and would not be entering the public debate.
Cr Mackenzie said any decision would have to find the right balance.
“Residents of Allora deserve an acceptable level of neighbourhood amenity with agreed controls on noise, dust, hours of operation, access and storm water drainage” he said.
“But at the same time, the tall grain silos are both an Allora icon and a traditional activity with the right to continue operations for the economic benefit of the region.
“After all, the silos will not be moved in a hurry, so council must ensure any operator on the Herbert Street site acts reasonably.”
The official stance from all parties involved is that consultations will continue.
