TAMWORTH will soon become home to a second multi-million dollar medical cannabis farm - and the third for the region.
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Council has approved a massive development application for a $7.7 million high-security medical marijuana facility at Appleby, on the outskirts of town.
Israeli-Australian company Cann Pharmaceutical is behind the project and plans to use "advanced greenhouse and automation technology" to grow EP1, a proven treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy.
The company first lodged plans for an "intensive plant agriculture facility" at 37 Evans Lane, Appleby, in May last year.
Tamworth Regional Council granted the proponent development consent on Thursday, subject to a number of conditions.
Council deemed the project consistent with the Tamworth Regional Local Environmental Plan 2010 and state environmental planning policies.
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It also deemed the development to be of an "appropriate scale" and that subject to conditions, it would not result in "unacceptable adverse impacts upon the natural or built environments".
"The proposed development is a suitable and planned use of the site and its approval is within the public interest," the determination reads.
Cann Pharmaceutical has had its eye on Tamworth for several years. It's also behind a second $8 million operation at Kootingal that was granted approval in 2018.
The Appleby farm is the third for the region, including Australian Natural Therapeutics Group's cannabis farm just outside Armidale.
The Leader has contacted Cann Pharmaceutical for further details on the project, however it remains tight-lipped.
Planning documents show it plans to construct a 9,417m2 greenhouse, 500m2 greenhouse and 895.61m2 production facility to grow and produce medical cannabis to be distributed throughout Australia.
The company says the planned facility - which includes a drying area and packing and distribution centre - will be constantly monitored by security guards and CCTV.
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Caitlin Reid
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
