By KATH GANNAWAY
CHANGES to planning rules that would pave the way for intensive farming in Green Wedge zones may come too late for a Yarra Ranges free-range pig farmer – if they come at all.
A VCAT decision in July has ruled that the operation of Happy Valley Free Range Pty Ltd in Wandin is defined as ‘intensive’ animal husbandry, and as such does not comply with the Yarra Ranges Council planning scheme.
The decision could affect farmers in Green Wedge Zones 1-3 which cover parts of Wandin North, Silvan, Monbulk, Coldstream, Gruyere, Macclesfield, Belgrave South, Sassafras, Narre Warren East, Yellingbo and Hoddles Creek.
Happy Valley owner, Jo Stritch told the Mail last week the ruling had hinged not on the amount of food brought onto the farm, which had been her understanding of the criteria, but on the nutritional value.
VCAT Deputy President, Helen Gibson, said the free-range nature of the pigs’ activities was not a determinative factor in whether the use was intensive or extensive animal husbandry.
She said it was the source of food that supplied the animals’ primary nutritional needs, rather than the volume of food, that had to be considered.
As Ms Stritch got set to work through the compliance issues with Yarra Ranges Council, Liberal Member for Evelyn, Christine Fyffe, weighed into the debate, raising the issue in State Parliament last week.
She warned that changes needed to be made if the right to farm was to continue in Yarra Ranges.
Mrs Fyffe called on the Minister for Planning to appoint an independent panel to look at Yarra Ranges Council’s proposed Amendment C146 which, if adopted, would bring in a permit system for intensive free-range farming in the Green Wedge zones where it is currently prohibited.
C146 was opened up to submissions earlier this year.
Yarra Ranges councillors will decide on Tuesday night whether to make that request to the Minister, which would allow people who made submissions to put their views forward, or, in light of the submissions received so far, to abandon the amendment and maintain the current prohibition of all forms of intensive animal husbandry in the Green Wedge Zone 1-3.
Cr Jim Child said he felt for Ms Stritch who he believed should be given the opportunity to apply for a permit to operate the farm.
“It all hinged on that VCAT determination which is that she is now operating as intensive.
“Where I am coming from, and very strongly, is to say let’s get the C146 (amendment) to the next stage, go to the panel and remove that prohibition to give her, and others, the right to apply for a permit.”
Cr Child said it was important to note that VCAT ruled only on whether the operation was intensive or extensive.
“They never judged her operation,” he said.
In relation to opposition against the C146 Amendment and the view that it would open the door for broiler farms and cattle feedlots, it was important to look at the recommendation that will go to council on Tuesday which emphasises the ‘free-range’ aspect of the amendment.
“That’s what we want to get across the line,” he said.
Meanwhile, the future operation of Happy Valley Free-Range in its current form at Wandin is, at best, uncertain.
