The Victorian government has announced significant changes to planning regulations, allowing farmers to more easily construct micro abattoirs on their properties. This decision came as part of the government’s response to the inquiry into food security in Victoria, which highlighted a growing demand for local food production amid increasing urban encroachment on farmland.
On November 2023, the inquiry reported a sharp rise in the need for fresh produce as the state’s population grows. With urban development pushing into agricultural areas, the cost and difficulty of food production near cities have escalated. The inquiry proposed 33 recommendations to improve food security, and the Victorian government agreed to fully or partially support 29 of them. One of the key suggestions was to simplify access to livestock processing facilities for small producers.
Farmers in Victoria have struggled to find processing options since larger, often foreign-owned, abattoirs stopped accepting small orders. The government’s new approach aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for establishing small processing facilities. Under the revised regulations, farmers will not require a planning permit to build micro abattoirs on most rural and agricultural land. These facilities will still be subject to health and environmental regulations, requiring approvals from both the Environmental Protection Authority and the Victorian meat regulator, Primesafe.
Impact on Farmers and Food Processing
Tammi Jonas, a farmer in Central Victoria and spokesperson for the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance, expressed her enthusiasm for the changes. She had spent several years obtaining the necessary permits for her on-farm abattoir. Jonas noted that this regulatory overhaul will significantly reduce red tape for small businesses, enabling them to efficiently process animals for local farmers’ markets, cafes, and restaurants.
Jonas highlighted the challenges faced by small-scale producers, stating her previous reliance on a Chinese-owned abattoir, Kilcoy Global Foods. This situation forced her to travel over three hours for processing. “It’s going to be a massive relief for everyone to hear that we won this because access has been diminishing rapidly across Australia, not only in Victoria,” she said.
Moreover, she emphasized that micro abattoirs could enhance animal welfare by reducing the stress and travel time for livestock before processing. She is aware of at least six similar projects that will benefit from the new regulations, which promise minimal planning processes going forward.
Government Support and Oversight Concerns
A spokesperson for the Victorian government indicated that they expect to finalize the planning amendments by the end of the year. The new framework will recognize micro abattoirs as part of the agricultural activities in farming, rural activity, and green wedge zones, aligning with existing practices for on-farm boning rooms. This change is designed to empower small-scale producers to manage their entire supply chain while adhering to Victoria’s stringent food safety, animal welfare, and environmental protection standards.
Despite the optimistic outlook, the Victorian Farmers Federation remains cautious. Scott Young, president of the federation’s livestock division, stated that they will closely monitor the implementation of these planning reforms. Young stressed the importance of maintaining food safety, animal welfare, and traceability standards to prevent potential loopholes that could undermine market trust.
“Supporting local processing is a good thing — but it must be done right, with appropriate oversight and a level playing field for all producers,” he asserted.
This regulatory reform marks a significant shift in how small-scale producers will operate in Victoria, potentially setting a precedent for similar changes in other regions. The move is expected to strengthen local food systems and enhance food security in the face of growing challenges.
