Councillors in firing line over scare guns, hail cannons

Some councillors went straight into the firing line at last week’s meeting to defend the use of scare guns and hail cannons.
The Southern Downs Regional Council discussed at its general meeting a report on the rules in relation to the use of scare guns and hail cannons and how to deal with noise complaints.
This sparked a lengthy debate, with Cr Vic Pennisi particularly vocal.
“The accusation that they (farmers) run hail cannons all night is simply not true. They couldn’t afford to. Most switch it on when it’s most appropriate because of the running costs,” Cr Pennisi said.
He believed there was a lack of understanding of why farmers used hail cannons.
“They stop the hail from falling hard; the hail falls slow like snow. There’s less crop damage as a result of using the hail cannons,” Cr Pennisi said.
In relation to scare guns, which scare animals away from crops, he said it was ridiculous to have set timeframes for their use, as animals don’t clock off at a certain time.
“We don’t need the permit system. To me, the costs of running these things make them self-regulated.”
Cr Ross Bartley agreed, saying guidelines on the use of these objects would be better than a permit system.
“It’s just more red tape for our producers; they’ve got enough now,” Cr Bartley said.
“I won’t be supporting this; it’s an erosion of the right to farm,” he said.
However, Deputy Mayor Peter Blundell said between 5am and 9pm for the use of scare guns were reasonable hours that the community expected.
“To me, this is about giving some certainty to those people who use them. I would strongly suggest that we do implement these guidelines,” Cr Blundell said.
Cr Denise Ingram believed the council had to start somewhere.
Director of planning and environment Ken Harris said it was just another example of the State Government shifting its responsibility to Local Government.
“I find it frustrating that the State Government has left this in a mess for the council to sort it out,” Mr Harris said.
“I see that as an opportunity for us to get this right,” Cr Pennisi said.
Mayor Ron Bellingham said this was obviously a very complex issue.
“We have a legislative responsibility to give guidelines,” Cr Bellingham said.
“Frankly, we’ve got a responsibility to give producers and others some guidelines. There are people out there who will complain and we’ll just have to deal with those complaints,” he said.
The council resolved to approve the report and investigate guidelines for a permit system.
Cr Pennisi had the last word, saying, “It’s no different to fireworks and people accept them.”