UPDATE: A proposed $300 million hot chips processing facility in Victoria is in jeopardy as local farmers raise urgent concerns about land protection. The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) warns that the project’s success hinges on safeguarding essential agricultural land from competing developments.
This alarming news comes as VFF President Brett Hosking highlights the facility’s proximity to the Avonbank Heavy Mineral Sands Project and the potential impact of the VNI West transmission project. Both projects threaten the vital potato supply chain that the processing facility relies on.
“The facility is dependent on a constant and reliable supply from Victoria’s potato growers, who produce over 263,000 tonnes of potatoes annually,” Hosking stated. “However, these growers are at risk of disruption due to the proposed new transmission lines cutting through their farmland.”
With Victoria being Australia’s third-largest potato-producing state, the implications of these developments are significant. The VFF emphasizes that the local workforce is under increasing strain from the escalating demands of agriculture and new industrial projects.
“Coordination of these competing projects is missing,” Hosking lamented. He expressed concern over the government’s approach, suggesting that it appears to be prioritizing industrial development over agricultural sustainability.
The VFF is calling for immediate action, urging the government to enhance consultations with affected farmers, establish clearer planning frameworks, and ensure fair compensation for those whose livelihoods are threatened. They stress the urgent need for a comprehensive land use policy that balances food security with responsible resource development.
“Farmers are world leaders in productivity, and we must protect our farmland before it’s too late,” Hosking concluded.
As stakeholders await the government’s next steps, the future of both the hot chip facility and local agriculture hangs in the balance. The VFF is advocating for a more strategic planning roadmap that recognizes the critical role of farmers in Victoria’s economy.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation, as the outcomes could significantly impact the agricultural landscape in Victoria and beyond.
