VICTORIA’S planning laws were in need of urgent reform, to protect farmers’ rights, according to the state’s peak agricultural body.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president Peter Tuohey said there had been an outpouring of public support for Alexandra Wagyu producer, David Blackmore, after he had been refused a permit to continue running cattle at his farm.
The Murrindindi Shire council rejected an application for an intensive animal husbandry permit, following a series of objections.
The council planning department recommended the permit be approved.
“Tree and sea-changers may love the rolling hills and open spaces, but they can’t then object to the dust, smell and noise that are part of everyday life in the farming zone,” Mr Tuohey said.
“Farmers aren’t there to provide a rural vista for tree changers – at the end of the day, we’re operating a business that’s there to feed every Victorian and deliver $11.4 billion export revenue,” he said.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford expressed surprise the council had rejected the permit, despite it being approved by its planning department, subject to some environmental conditions.
“It's important to make sure we get the balance right between supporting and growing our vital agricultural sector and land users, and community concerns around planning and the environment,” Ms Pulford said.
“My department has already been in touch with council and I can confirm that my office has met with Mr Blackmore to better understand these issues.
“It would be terrible to see a fantastic Australian business go under,” she said.
Mr Touhey said the former government had opened up farming zones to industry, motor racing tracks, primary and secondary schools, landscape and trade supplies, caravan and camping parks.
He said this increased the risk of planning conflicts.
“Our state’s population is growing and we need to grow the economic contribution from food and fibre production,” Mr Tuohey said.
“State and local governments need the tools to protect agricultural land from encroaching uses by protecting the farmers’ right to farm.”
Mr Tuohey called on the State Government to:
Strengthen the Victorian Planning Provisions to enshrine Right to Farm.
Ensure the decision guidelines within the Planning Scheme give strong direction to Councils that farming takes precedence over other land uses in a farming zone.
Developing a practice note that improves Local Government and community understanding of Intensive Animal Husbandry.
The current definition is confusing, with councils increasingly demanding farmers gain these permits or refusing them altogether (Blackmore case).
The VFF is calling on the State Government to publish a practice note that clearly defines intensive animal husbandry.
Reinstate the requirement that developments within the farming zone are “in conjunction” with agriculture e.g. winery restaurants.
Amend the Planning and Environment Amendment (Recognising Objectors) Bill currently before Parliament.
The Bill forces the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Tribunal) and responsible authorities to “have regard” to the number of objectors to permit applications in considering whether a proposed use or development may have a significant social effect.
The VFF has argued agriculture should be exempt.
Reinstating the Section 32 notice warning people that if they move into a farming area they may be exposed to noise, smell and dust normally produced by agricultural activities.
The notice, which was removed by the previous Government Sec 32, stated: “Important notice to purchasers: The property may be located in an area where commercial agricultural production activity may affect your enjoyment of the property.
It is therefore in your interest to undertake an investigation of the possible amenity and other impacts from nearby properties and the agricultural practices and processes conducted there.”
