History is repeating itself, is how this writer sees a huge development sign in a pristine field! How many times has the agony of destruction of places chosen by discerning people to make their homes been relegated to the powerful to change forever? The Goomburra feed-lot educated many to the absolute hopelessness of dissent. Thence to the chicken hatchery where progress does not ease concern, because the first sod has not been turned!
There is profound discomfort to have had to pay rates to the Southern Downs Regional Council, that are based upon land valuations that will never again be aligned with the reality of life after such massive developments. When the hatchery was proposed this writer questioned the land values of Allora with the relevant officer. He stated that they would be reviewed should the hatchery prove to be incompatible with Allora’s village life. Likewise this new monster grain development. South Street will become a highway for traffic that would change the lives forever in the village. However, those out of the village itself would see their land values drop, so would the rates base according to the relevant officer, as surely such 24/7 working hours, or a million chickens being moved each week or so, ruins the lives of families whose homes are in the way of so-called progress.
Melba Morris
Allora