There’s no shortage of issues for Victorian farmers in the planning, environment and climate change space. Please see the latest update from the VFF on the areas we continue to focus on:
Transmission plan
Victorian Government has committed to transmission plan on the back of VFF advocacy initiated in 2018. The VFF held a meeting with VicGrid in December 2023 to start identifying strategic agricultural land that is incompatible with renewable energy and transmission development, and we hosted a webinar to inform farmers on how they can have their say. Legislation establishing VicGrid as the planning authority for all transmission developments was introduced into Parliament in March which the VFF advocated for through 2023 – disappointingly, the existing WRL and VNI West projects are not being included in this process. The VFF continues to oppose the WRL and VNI as it’s currently planned.
Land Access Code
TasFarmers and the Victorian Farmers Federation recently released the Farm Access Code of Conduct which is aimed at promoting respectful and sensible infrastructure development on agricultural land.
Mineral sands
VFF is responding to proposed sand mine developments in the Wimmera (Dooen) and Mallee (Goschen). Advocacy efforts are focused on reform to the state’s Environmental Effects Statement process, which would bring about benefits for other infrastructure developments such as renewable energy. VFF has engaged with the Minerals Council of Australia to seek a collaborative approach.
Changes to planning rules for animal industries
The final stages of the Planning for Sustainable Animal Industries project is currently on public exhibition. The VFF has been involved in this process since 2016. This will see a new animal production clause in all planning schemes for what used to be called ‘intensive animal industries’ – e.g. broiler sheds, piggeries and feedlots. Where possible national codes will be used. The VFF is currently assessing the proposals before providing comment and we invite comments from members.
Environment Protection Agency enforcement increases
The VFF has received numerous member enquiries regarding the EPA’s enforcement attempts in line with the General Environmental Duty (GED). Prior to its implementation, VFF was assured the GED would not lead to increased enforcement. We are taking these issue up directly with the EPA and the Minister for Environment and continue to advocate for regulatory actions to be proportionate to the risk and to be cognisant of the purpose for which farmland is zoned.
Parliamentary Inquiries
The VFF is preparing submissions to upcoming into Victoria’s food supply and climate resilience. The VFF will advocate for actions to protect agricultural land from land use conflict and renew our call for agriculture to be returned to the economic development section of the planning policy framework. We invite members to provide their views directly to the inquiries or through the VFF.