Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has granted a works approval application for Nuchev Pty Ltd to operate an intensive goat farm that houses up to 14,000 goats in Moorabool.
The company will still require a planning permit from the City of Greater Geelong before it can construct two large sheds with milking facilities and install infrastructure to treat wastewater that can then be used for irrigation purposes.
EPA Manager of Development Assessments Tim Faragher said all potential environmental issues were examined before the application was approved.
“EPA looked thoroughly at all the possible impacts on the environment that could occur from intensive goat farming including odour, noise, stormwater runoff, dust and Q fever*,” Mr Faragher said.
“As part of its application, modelling was conducted by the company in regards to noise, odour and dust migration, which was assessed by EPA before its final decision on the application was made.
“EPA also required the company to provide an extensive risk management plan to reduce the chances of Q fever infection within the goat herd. The plan also required protocols to minimise the chances of infection from dust particles, wastewater or contact with animals.
“EPA consulted the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources before making a final determination on the works approval application.”
Mr Faragher said the site would reuse wastewater generated by its operations for irrigation of its land.
“The classification of water will be Class C, which has a rigorous set of requirements and protocols for its management and end use. EPA was satisfied that the proposed facilities were appropriate to achieve this standard,” Mr Faragher said.
Background:
*Q fever is an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans. It can be found in cattle, sheep, goats and other domestic mammals including cats and dogs. Infection results from inhalation of a spore-like small-cell variant, and from contact with the milk, urine, faeces, vaginal mucus or semen of infected animals. Rarely the disease is tick-borne. A variety of symptoms can manifest from the disease, often appearing as a severe case of flu.