Micro-abattoirs will no longer need a permit to establish themselves on agricultural land in a push to provide more local access for small-scale farmers.
The state government is amending planning provisions to designate small abattoirs as a Schedule 1 use within farming zones, eliminating the need for a permit.
This was an adopted recommendation from the recent inquiry into securing the Victorian food supply, aimed to provide more alternatives outside of the commercial abattoirs for small-scale farmers.
This comes after some established, large abattoirs in Victoria have stopped taking on small orders.
Many small-scale farmers utilise mobile butchers who slaughter on farm, either taking the carcass off-site for butchering or doing it on-site.
Tynong North farmer, Pam Cunningham doesn’t use a micro-abattoir for her cattle, but said keeping kills on farm is an important concern for local producers.
“It doesn’t have any stress, there’s no travel or anything, and they’re not being herded into a killing yard,” she said.
Having a small-scale abattoir on the site of animal production can provide better welfare outcomes for livestock as well as greater access for farmers.
Micro-abattoirs will be required to remain small and away from neighbouring homes and other sensitive uses.
