Residents are calling for the state government to overturn new reforms to pig and poultry farming that they believe threaten the protection of the Macedon Ranges.
The government announced sweeping agriculture reforms in recent weeks to simplify the planning process for animal producers across the state.
The changes, which would come into effect in September, include new land use definitions, changes to planning schemes and new planning regulations around grazing animal production, intensive animal production, pig and poultry farms and hatcheries.
Under the reforms, farmers would be allowed to rear 100 chickens and 10 emus or ostriches without a permit or up to 10,000 chickens with a permit.
Pig farmers would be permitted to have up to about 1600 pigs provided they are 400 metres from a residential zone.
Macedon Ranges Residents Association secretary Christine Pruneau said the reforms would remove the bans on pig and poultry farms in rural conservation and rural living zones that protect the ranges.
She said the association’s main concern was that the new simplified permit process removed the requirement to give public notice and the opportunity for residents to object.
“Hundreds of pigs are potentially allowed,” Ms Pruneau said.
“But you have no say, even if you live in sensitive and rural residential areas or towns with a farming zone next door.
“These changes leave the environment, our amenities and democracy worse off.
“We want the reforms overturned because these changes are completely incompatible with the shire’s and community’s values.”
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said it was about getting the “balance right” between advancing the agricultural sector and safeguarding the environment.
Agriculture minister Jaala Pulford said the new reforms would bring clarity to land use planning definitions and would balance the needs of agricultural businesses with environmental protection and the community.
“These important reforms will help farmers and agricultural businesses make more flexible and informed decisions to better manage their business priorities alongside any environmental and community amenity concerns,” she said.
Information sessions will be held at 11 locations across Victoria starting this month.
Information: bit.ly/2lXO1EJ
