A proposed **$300 million** hot chips processing facility in Victoria is poised to create significant economic opportunities, but its success hinges on the protection of the farmland that will supply it. The **Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF)** has raised concerns regarding the long-term viability of the project, emphasizing the need for careful planning and coordination.
VFF President **Brett Hosking** welcomed the investment but questioned the government’s commitment to safeguarding agricultural land. The facility, located near the proposed **Avonbank Heavy Mineral Sands Project**, requires a dependable supply from **Victoria’s** potato growers, who may face production challenges due to the **VNI West transmission project**.
“Farmers in Victoria produce over **263,000 tonnes** of potatoes annually, making the state the third largest potato producer in Australia,” Hosking noted. “With both the proposed **VNI West** and **WRL transmission lines** cutting through our potato farms, the ability of our farmers to maintain and grow production is under serious threat.”
The VFF argues that a growing local workforce faces competing demands from agricultural expansion and new developments. Hosking expressed concern that the government appears to be rushing decisions without fully considering their implications. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive planning strategy that values the contributions of farmers and the land they cultivate.
“We need to protect the development of both these proposals simultaneously,” he said. “There are legitimate questions about placing a mine next to a food manufacturing precinct, particularly with existing critical infrastructure nearby, such as the **Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal**.”
The VFF is advocating for enhanced consultation with affected landholders, clearer planning frameworks, and equitable compensation for farmers whose livelihoods may be impacted. They emphasize the urgent need to develop a land use policy that balances food security with responsible resource management.
“Our farmers are world leaders, achieving remarkable productivity on a limited portion of this nation’s farmland. We must prioritize its protection before it disappears forever,” Hosking concluded.
As discussions continue, the future of the hot chips processing facility and the agricultural landscape in Victoria remains uncertain, highlighting the complex interplay between industrial development and food production.
