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1. To whom it may concern:
   I’m opposed to the netting application for the following reasons:

   1. At the time that the applicant did his soil preparation for the berry farm, I had a discussion with the farmer. He knew that he was not allowed to erect nets in this area but stated that he will go ahead anyway and first plant everything.

   He knew he was taking a risk that he would not get approval to erect netting.

   2. I have at that time also lodged complaints at the council about this , and voiced my concerns. I was assured that it is not allowed.

   3. In the time since the applicant started his blueberry farm ( about 2-3 years) he has shown no interest in accommodating complaints or have any discussions with us and I’m told that he had no discussions with his other neighbours either. He has not even tried to establish buffer zones, or any other attempt to assure that he will contain his spraying.

   4. the area that he has planted his berries is clearly intensifying his farming as he is now using a larger part of the land than previously used for bananas.

   5. the scenic appeal of this area is disturbed by the unsightly netting and has detrimental effects on our property value and approved uses. I had a da approval for extension on my house with a swimming pool and out door entertainment area and exercise annex. I can no longer build this for the purpose of which it was intended.

   6. The Chemicals will land on our roof and we will affect our water and therefore daily lives and health.

   7. The netting is a danger to the birdlife and the other creatures. Every year thousands of animals are injured in inappropriate netting of fruit trees. It entangles birds, lizards, snakes, bats and the occasional possum. The netting cuts their mouths to ribbons as they try to bite themselves free, and wraps so tightly around them that circulation is cut off and tissue dies, days or even weeks later. The animals die of thirst, starvation, strangulation or outright pain and fear in the nets

   I can not accept the methods that the berry farmers, like this one, use. Where they deliberately do things that are either against rules, regulations, bylaws and laws and then expect to get retrospective approval.

   Rules and regulations are there for everyone.
   It sets double standards and presidents for future problems.

   They do things first and seek approval later. It can simply not be tolerated.
   If they seek approval first, it will give all parties involved, in the interest of harmony and sustainability, the opportunity to address concerns and seek suitable solutions.

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