VICTORIAN Planning Minister Richard Wynne will now decide on the granting of an intensive farming permit for the Blackmore’s Wagyu operation, at Alexandra.
Mr Wynne has announced he has ‘called in” the application, as part of an extensive review of the planning system.
“The call-in means that the that the decision on the permit application will be determined by the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister for Planning,” a government spokesman said.
“The department is now preparing advice for the Minister on an appropriate way for the merits of the permit application to be considered in the context of the evolving policy issues.
“This was a common-sense decision, one that will allow the permit in question to be assessed in the context of this evolving policy issue.”
The decision was coupled with the establishment of an advisory committee, to report on how the planning system could support the establishment and expansion of productive, competitive and market-responsive animal industries.
The new Animal Industries Advisory Committee would recommend how the planning system could balance environmental outcomes and community expectations.
The Murrindindi Shire Council rejected an application for an intensive agriculture permit, at David Blackmore’s property, on the edge of the town.
Mr Blackmore said the decision was a “huge relief” – but the decision on the permit would not be made until the advisory committee reported back to the Minister, in early December.
“He is not going to make this decision until they have this consultative committee report; it’s a reprieve, nothing more than a reprieve,” Mr Blackmore said.
But he said it was a huge relief not to have to take the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
He said a hearing could take up to a year to resolve.
“This last 12 months has been horrendous, let alone having to go through it for another 12 months.”
Mr Blackmore said he hoped the committee would recommend best practice farming would be encouraged.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed what it said was a raft of reforms, on the back of the highly Wagyu beef case.
“David Blackmore’s battle has galvanised public opinion and delivered an outpouring of support for farmers’ rights,” VFF president Peter Tuohey said.
More than 124,000 people had signed a petition calling on the Premier Daniel Andrews and Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford to save the Blackmore’s right to farm.
“I think all farmers would be proud to see so many Australians supporting farmer rights," Mr Touhey said.
“I’m just delighted to see farmers getting the wider public recognition they deserve, at a time when there’s so much on us from all fronts.
“The Premier, Ms Pulford and Planning Minister Richard Wynne have shown they’re committed to supporting the future of agriculture in this state."
“Not only has Mr Wynne called in the Blackmore case, he has also committed to establishing an Animal Industries Advisory Committee that will examine how the state’s planning system can support the expansion of animal industries.
“The fact is intensification of agriculture to produce more from our most productive land is essential to all Australians and our overseas customers.”
Mr Tuohey said the VFF was seeking reforms that:
Improved transparency of planning permit requirements. Planning schemes should clearly state pigs, eggs, feedlots and broiler farms need a planning permit but our extensive wool and beef farms do not.
Better supported for farmers in the farming zone. Like a dwelling is supported in the residential zone and a warehouse is supported in an industrial zone. Planning should only allow uses in conjunction with farming in agricultural precincts to valuable farming land from inappropriate development.
Delivered planning provisions that protected farmers from ideological battles. Public notification of planning permits for farming should only be given to dwellings within a defined area, not people with an ideological opposition to farming systems that lived hundreds of kilometres away.
Establish a working group to look at planning changes and supporting documentation.
