By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
RED TAPE is strangling Geelong’s ambitions to become the chicken meat capital of Victoria, according to Victorian Farmers Federation.
Federation chicken group manager Laurie Mannix said complex planning processes posed a threat to industry expansion plans.
“Planning is a real issue because it’s taking three or four years to get birds in sheds versus 16 months elsewhere,” Mr Mannix said.
The Independent reported last month that poultry industry operators had plans for local multi-million-dollar expansions because chicken farms were constrained from growing in other parts of the state.
Mr Mannix said a State Government-led chicken meat growth strategy was needed to repeal the “confusing, costly and restrictive” processes.
Demand for chicken was growing nationally by five per cent but production was short 1.5 million birds, he said.
“Plenty of people want to eat chicken but no one wants a chicken farm beside them.
“The costs of obtaining planning permission can make developments unviable. Some farmers have to spend up to $150,000 just to obtain planning permits.
“We had three farmers recently who had to go to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and it cost them $500,000 in legal costs and delays in a case they clearly won.”
Mr Mannix said Geelong offered the best hope for protecting and growing the industry on land clear of urban encroachment for the next 20 to 30 years.
“Geelong is ideal where land is not pristine property but suitable for chicken and pig farming where farmers can make a long-term commitment. It’s got everything going for it if we can get the planning right.”
Mr Mannix said leading industry players Turi Foods, with extensive Geelong operations, and Ingham’s had spare capacity to absorb increased production.
Geelong’s “huge opportunities” would lead to an employment boost of six jobs created for every 200,000 birds farmed, he said.
