By JONATHON HOWARD
GROWING corn at the corner of South and George streets in Allora has been deemed lawful by Southern Downs Regional Council – despite repeat attempts from neighbours to have the plot shut down.
Council had received a letter and petition signed by nine concerned residents living near the one-acre lot, which for many years has been used primarily for corn crops.
The petition letter said the growing of corn at 2-4 George Street was attracting vermin such as snakes, rats and mice into the area, as well as causing a constant nuisance for neighbours cleaning up excessive leaves.
The petition also revealed that at harvest time, neighbours experienced excessive dust problems.
Objectors also said excessive leaves and stalks clogged up the street stormwater channels and grates.
However, council reports showed that the practice of growing corn at the allotment had been occurring for a long time and was considered a lawful use of the land in accordance with the Sustainable Planning Act.
“The residential area is directly opposite cropping land which could be used for growing corn, with all the attendant issues of mice, rats or dust and noise at harvest times,” the council report read.
“Spray drift from chemical application to the vegetables is a concern, however there is legislation that can deal with this if it was to occur.”
The letter and petition requested that council’s local laws should be used to “stop this long-standing practice” in a residential area.
Council therefore determined the practice to be lawful and within a long-held agricultural area.
The motion to throw out the request was moved by Cr Vic Pennisi and seconded Cr Ross Bartley.
