Agronomy company Terra Ag’s plans for a fertiliser depot next to Griffith Sikh Gurdwara have been rejected by the Land and Environment Court of NSW.
Terra Ag had taken Griffith City Council to court after they rejected their development application.
The local community has welcomed the court decision as they were worried about the potential hazards from the Terra Ag's rural supplies facility next to their residences and place of worship.
Hardeep Chahal who made a submission to the court on behalf of the Sikh community told that they are pleased with the outcome.
“Terra Ag’s appeal was rejected on the grounds that its proposed depot could be “characterised as a heavy industrial storage facility”, which is “prohibited” in that zone,” said Mr Chahal.
Alvise Minato is a long-time resident of Griffith.
to argue the health hazards from the proposed fertilizer facility near the Sikh temple and his farm on Kidman Way, Griffith.
Mr Minato visited the Sikh temple on Saturday to rejoice the decision.
“We both pray to the one God, and he has answered our prayers,” he told The Daily Advertiser.
Amarjit Singh Randawa, Public Officer from Gurdwara Singh Sabha Society, Griffith told that they are grateful to the court for this decision.
“We thank the court commissioner who listened to our concerns,” said Mr Randhawa.
“We also thank Griffith City Council for their extended support. Earlier, they blocked Terra Ag’s bid after listening to the local community.”
In 2016, the plans for a fertiliser depot next to Griffith Sikh Gurdwara were rejected by Griffith City Council after fierce public opposition.
More than 500 local members had put their objection against the purposed facility citing concerns over the impact on potential human health.
