Chooks beat houses farmer wins David versus Goliath battle

Andrew Mathieson
A Mount Duneed chicken farmer is celebrating the saving of his family property after State Government decided to impose a buffer zone preventing residential development within 1000 metres.
Farmer Adrian Balog struggled to contain his excitement after hearing the Government had agreed to implement a broiler code requirement for the buffer zone.
“The decision was a huge burden lifted off our shoulders,” he said.
“My wife and the kids were all just stressed out for so long. I’m glad the right decision was made.”
An independent advisory committee on Armstrong Creek recommended the buffer zone after hearing submissions and advice in Geelong.
Mr Balog had feared his farm would go bankrupt if residential development had been allowed to encroach on his 55-hectare farm.
The Balogs had invested $5 million in the site over more than two decades.
“I would have lost everything,” Mr Balog said.
“I would have had to sell off the farm to pay off debts.
“I couldn’t have started all over again.
“I’ve been chook farming for more than 20 years now and it’s my livelihood.”
Victorian Farmers Federation chicken meat group president Michael Shaw told the Independent in February he was concerned the Government had removed the 1000-metre buffer from planning guidelines for Armstrong Creek.
Planning Minister Justin Madden announced the findings of the independent advisory committee this week.
“I have accepted all the committee’s recommendations, including the provision for a protective buffer around the existing broiler code,” he said.
A spokesperson for Mr Madden said “currently no plans for sub-division or development within the buffer” would win approval.
But planning permit applications could be considered for the development consistent with the zone if the chicken farm “failed to operate”.
“As long as they’re growing chickens there, the buffer stays,” the spokesperson said.