The panel will assess Terra Ag’s development application (DA) for a hotly-contested rural supplies business next to the Sikh temple on Kidman Way.

It is believed the panelists will include state-appointed members Gordon Kirby, Ruth Fagan and Mark Grayson. Mr Kirby and Mr Grayson had both worked at the NSW Department of Planning while Ms Fagan had extensive local government experience.

Griffith City Council moved to appoint the external panel after a letter of offer was received from Terra Ag, creating a possible conflict of interest.

Mark Zanatta from Terra Ag said the council staff were trying to be transparent, but it slowed down the process.

“We’re keen for it to get started,” Mr Zanatta said.

“We think it’s a good, architect-designed facility and we want to do it well.”

According to Mr Zanatta, Terra Ag wanted to expand their business to include a place where farmers could pick up fertiliser without having to travel into town.

“We’ll bring fertiliser straight from the port, we’re not manufacturing at all,” Mr Zanatta said.

“We may blend products like some other companies already do, but it’s nothing more than is already existing.

“This is an agricultural town and people need agricultural supplies.”

Mr Zanatta said he believed the proposed development would be good for farmers, but opponents said the development would be bad for neighbours.

Jo Lamont’s house is 200 metres from the site and she was worried about noise and contamination.

“There are the obvious issues of noise and dust from 20 B-doubles accessing it,” Ms Lamont said.

“But one of the main problems is it’s going next to a place of worship. 

“If the temple was a Catholic church or the cathedral it would never be considered.”

Ms Lamont said she couldn’t believe the DA got past the front desk at council.

“The Sikh community contribute a lot back to the community and to treat them like this is disgusting,” she said.

“I’m not against industry, just the location. I’m all for business going ahead but not in the middle of a residential area or next to a church.”

The location is the most debated part of the proposal with both sides seeking legal advice about zoning. The land along Kidman Way falls within a ‘B6 enterprise corridor zone’ under the Griffith Local Environmental Plan (LEP).

Under the LEP, landscaping material supplies businesses are permitted within a ‘B6’ zone, but heavy industrial storage establishments are not.

Mr Zanatta said the solicitors for Terra Ag had advised there was no problem with zoning, but solicitors for the opponents said otherwise.

“They’re saying we’re not supplying fertiliser but manufacturing it,” Mr Zanatta said.

“We’re not bringing in raw chemicals, if I could do it cheaper than China I’d be over there.”