These guidelines apply to poultry farms that satisfy the following operational criteria:
DUE TO COME INTO AFFECT SEPTEMBER 2018
Applications that are assessed as being low density mobile outdoor poultry farms have simplified requirements for assessment and decision.
Key features of the simplified planning process include:
All other poultry farm operations will be required to follow the normal planning process.
Low density mobile outdoor poultry farms are a type of outdoor poultry production system which, if well managed, presents very low environmental and amenity risks.
Low density mobile outdoor poultry farms are where, once old enough, poultry live outdoors in paddocks with unfettered foraging opportunities. Stocking densities are kept low and range areas are rested to allow ground cover to be maintained and to restrict the rate of manure nutrient additions to the soil.
Mobile housing is provided to protect poultry in paddocks from the elements (and to lay eggs). Birds may be housed overnight for the protection from predators. Prepared feed is provided, typically in self-feeders. The housing, feeders and watering points are regularly and frequently moved to distribute manure nutrients more evenly.
Low density mobile outdoor poultry farms may also include a (non-mobile) shed for the raising of day-old chicks to the point of being ready to range.
In all Victorian planning schemes, a planning permit is required to use and develop land for a poultry farm. A planning permit can be applied for in the following zones:
The establishment of a new poultry farms, including low density mobile outdoor poultry farms, are prohibited in all other zones.
When is a planning permit required for a low density mobile outdoor poultry farm?
The requirement for a planning permit may apply to any of the following:
In addition to zone controls, there may be other provisions of a planning scheme (for example, overlays and particular provisions) that have additional planning permit and development requirements, such as approvals to remove native vegetation and works approval. Applicants are encouraged to check with their council about whether other approvals are needed at the planning stage.
What information should be submitted with a permit application?
The following list provides planners with the information they should expect from a low density mobile outdoor poultry farm planning permit application.
Property Identification Code
All poultry farms with more than 100 poultry, including low density mobile outdoor poultry farms, must have a Property Identification Code (PIC), that assists with traceability and biosecurity.
A. Property and locality plan
A property plan showing:
A locality plan showing:
A suitably scaled and dimensioned property and location plan, including distances, should not require the employment of a consultant or surveyor. It can be developed using readily available resources such as free online mapping programs such as Land Channel. http://www.land.vic.gov.au/
B. Description of the proposal
A brief written description that details:
– the raising of chicks
– the range area and number of poultry paddocks
– management, packing and storage of eggs (for egg farms).