The Victorian Code for Broiler Farms
The Victorian Code for Broiler Farms
The chicken meat (broiler) industry is a significant component of Victorian agriculture, contributing approximately $400 million annually to the Victorian economy. The industry has an established base in Victoria, with a well-developed network of processors, feed producers, growers and customers. The Victorian Code for Broiler Farms ('the Code') provides a basis for the planning, design, assessment, approval, construction, operation and management of broiler farms in Victoria. It seeks to present an appropriate balance between the operational needs of the broiler farm industry and the protection of the environment, particularly the air environment for people who live near broiler farms.
Under the Planning and Environment Act 1987a planning permit is required for all broiler farm development. Compliance with the Victorian Code for Broiler Farms 2009 is applicable and mandatory for the establishment of all new broiler farms and expansion of existing broiler farm. The Code acknowledges existing land use rights, but places rigorous conditions on the development of all new broiler farms and the expansion of existing farms.
This Code was originally developed in 2001 following extensive consultation with industry, community and government stakeholders. The Code became effective in September 2001 when it was incorporated into the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes in Victoria under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
The Code was reviewed in 2006–2009 through a consultative process involving the Mornington Peninsula, Golden Plains, Bendigo and Strathbogie shire councils, the Victorian Farmers Federation Chicken Meat Group, the Victorian Chicken Meat Council and a Community Representative. A steering committee comprising representatives of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, the Department of Planning and Community Development and the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA Victoria) was responsible for the development of a draft revised Code which was placed on public exhibition from 6 March 2009 to 8 May 2009. In response to the submissions the final version of the revised Code was prepared.
The Victorian Code for Broiler Farms 2009 was incorporated into the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes in Victoria on 21 September 2009 and replaces the 2001 Code.
Hard copies can be obtained on request by contacting the DPI Customer Service Line 136 186 within Australia.
Broiler Code - Chapters 1 - 5
Broiler Code - Chapters 6 - 7
Broiler Code - Chapters 8 - End
Draft Guidelines for Odour Environmental Risk Assessment (Odour ERA) for Victorian Broiler Farms
The draft guidelines have been prepared to provide guidance to applicants, councils and the community on the preparation of an odour ERA – which is a specific requirement of the revised Code.
Draft Odour ERA Guidelines Feb 2009
Generic Environmental Management Plan 2001
An environmental management plan (EMP) is an effective tool to recognise environmental risks and to provide clear strategies and measures to minimise those risks. An EMP includes strategies and measures to minimise environmental risks, and also contingency actions to manage environmental problems that may arise in the day-to-day operation and management of the farm.
All planning permit applications for a new broiler farm or broiler farm expansion must include an EMP under the requirements of the Code. The EMP must be site specific and based on the approved generic EMP (as amended and updated from time to time).
Broiler Generic EMP
Frequently asked Questions and Answers
1. Why was the Code reviewed?
Victoria’s broiler industry is worth $400 million a year to the State’s economy and demand for chicken meat continues to grow. It is important that future growth of the industry is undertaken in an environmentally sustainable way and that it balances the interests of both the industry and local communities. The aim of the review is to ensure that the Code remains relevant and reflects the latest best industry practice, environmental standards and knowledge. An up-to-date Code will facilitate the future growth of the industry in an environmentally sustainable manner and balance the interests of both the industry and local communities.
2. What are the key benefits of the new Code?
The 2009 Code provides a number of significant benefits to industry, community and local government stakeholders, including:
- clear, 'deemed to comply' requirements which will provide high environmental standards of performance, and a straight forward process for the assessment of a broiler farm planning permit application;
- the 2001 Code’s inflexible ‘Class C’ farm classification has been removed from the revised Code.
- changes to the determination of separation distances and boundary setback requirements will provide a more straight forward and transparent approach for industry, community and local government whose job it is to assess the planning permit application; and
- greater consideration of the impact that the development will have on the future use and development of the neighbouring properties - both in terms of agricultural use and the siting of dwellings to support such use. This should assist in alleviating community concerns regarding the allowance of separation distances to extend onto neighbouring properties.
3. What is the status of the old 2001 Code?
The 2009 Code replaces the previous 2001 Code. The 2009 Code came into effect when it was incorporated into the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes in Victoria on 21 September 2009.
4. What type of farm does the Code apply to?
This Code applies to the establishment or expansion of a broiler (chicken meat) farm.
5. Does the Code apply to other poultry farms or free range farms?
No. This Code does not apply to egg production, farms that produce chicks to be supplied to broiler farms for rearing (poultry hatcheries or the raising of pullets and broiler breeders), non-broiler poultry species, such as quail, duck, turkey and geese, or free range chickens (where the chickens have access to an outdoor range and an indoor shelter). While the Code does not apply in these cases, a planning permit may still be required. Consult with your local council.
6. Will existing farms need to comply with the new 2009 Code?
Where there is no intention to expand the operation, broiler farms that were lawfully established before the Code was introduced may continue to operate in conformity with their previous lawful operations. These rights are referred to as ‘existing use rights’. However, if a broiler farm is seeking approval to expand, both the existing farm and the new development must comply with the Code that is the incorporated document at the time of the planning permit application.
7. Do I need to comply with the Code if I want to modify my farm but not increase the capacity?
No. This Code does not apply to an existing broiler farm where there is no intention to increase the farm capacity. However a planning permit may still be required for the upgrade or modification. Consult with your local council.
8. What is the basis of the separation distance formula?
The separation distances formula has been developed from the separation distances of the 2001 Code – adjusted to account for the shift in measuring point from the centroid to the edge of the shed. The proposed separation distances were determined so that the total land area required for a standard series of aligned sheds remains unchanged from the 2001 Code.
9. My farm is Class C under the 2001 Code? What is its classification under the 2009 Code?
A farm is only classified when an application is made to expand it under the Code. The 2009 Code does not have a Class C classification. Depending on the application and the proposed size of the expansion, existing farms that would have been classified as Class C under the 2001 Code, will, under the 2009 Code be classified as either Class B or as a Special Class Farm, or may not be able to expand since they cannot meet the requirements of the 2009 Code. As a Special Class Farm, the development will need to adopt significant odour reduction technology to reduce the risk of odour emissions, and demonstrate through a rigorous Odour ERA process that the development will not cause a risk to the amenity of surrounding sensitive uses (dwellings).
10. What type of technologies are considered as odour reduction technologies?
Under the 2009 Code a reduction in the minimum separation distance requirements may be warranted with the adoption of odour reduction technology. This technology must significantly reduce or eliminate odour emissions from the broiler sheds. Such technologies may for example include scrubbers or biofiltration systems which may become effective and viable technologies for broiler sheds. Any reduction of separation distance must be based on the effectiveness of the technology being proven. Modern shed designs and ventilation stacks are not considered to be suitable technologies to warrant a reduction in the minimum separation distance requirements of the Code.
11. Why has the Farm Cluster classification been introduced? Won’t the Farm Cluster classification discourage the broiler farms being located closely together?
Farms that are located close located together or farm developments based on multiples of adjacent farms offer a number of benefits to industry in terms of business efficiencies. However, it is important that nearby community is protected from any risk of odour impact from the cumulative effects of farms being located very close together. Addressing these risks at the planning stage will help to ensure issues do not arise after the development has been built. An Odour ERA is a very small investment compared to the overall investment for a broiler farm, and guidelines are now available on the DPI website to assist those wanting to undertake an Odour ERA. It will provide industry and the local community with assurance that the development will not pose any odour amenity risk to the surrounding community. This should assist the planning process and the integrity of the planning permit application.
12. Why is auditing important?
The 2009 Code requires farms to undertake a routine audit of the farm’s management system on a biennial basis. This provides community, and local government assurance that the farm is operating in accordance with the planning permit conditions and the approved environmental management plan. In line with the principles of continuous improvement, it also provides an opportunity for the farm manager to review, update and improve the management and operation of the farm to ensure environmental standards are maintained.
13. How does the Code address animal welfare concerns?
The Code is a planning document aimed at environmental protection. It does not specifically address animal welfare. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 establishes animal welfare standards and controls, and gives effect to animal welfare codes. The welfare codes that apply to the broiler industry include the 2003 Code of Accepted Farming Practice for the Welfare of Poultry (Revision no.2) Agnote AG1143 and the 2001 Code of Practice for the Land Transport of Poultry, Agnote AG0888. Both Codes are published on the Department of Primary Industries website.
Further queries
If you have any further queries contact the DPI Customer Service Line 136 186 within Australia.
