Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence have announced an amendment to the Victorian Planning Provisions to make it easier to establish micro-abattoirs where they are needed most.
Under the amendment, micro-abattoirs will be classified as a Section 1 use in the Farming Zone, Rural Activity Zone and Green Wedge Zone, which means they will no longer require a permit – making it faster and easier for projects to get off the ground and operate if they meet regulatory requirements.
This will assist farmers and producers have better access to abattoir facilities closer to the farm gate, subject to environmental, amenity and human health conditions.
Micro-abattoirs will be required to remain small, operationally contained, located on the same land as the animal production and away from neighbouring homes and other sensitive uses.
A responsible authority, usually the local council, will continue to manage abattoirs through planning and building permit approvals and enforcement, and their environmental health officers will continue to manage public health matters under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.
The Minister for Planning has released a Ministerial Direction to guide local councils to develop strategies to protect the most important values of their green wedges and consult with Traditional Owners, the community and stakeholders.
