Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is considering a Works Approval application from Meatworks Australia Pty Ltd for the construction of a new meat processing facility at Lancaster-Mooroopna Road, Gillieston.
The facility is proposed to be capable of processing 3000 head per day of sheep within a series of fully enclosed buildings. The processing operations are proposed to be carried out within an enclosed building for 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
Works Approvals are required under the Environment Protection Act for industrial and waste management activities that have the potential for significant environmental impact.
EPA will assess the proposal against all relevant environmental policies and guidelines and look at any potential environmental and human health impacts that could result from the proposed facility.
EPA’s assessment of this proposal will include consideration of:
- Meat processing operations;
- Factory wastewater treatment and storage ponds producing secondary treated recycled water;
- Sewage treatment plant for office and worker amenities, and
- Recycled water for beneficial use onsite across existing flood irrigation area.
Separate to the possible securing of EPA works approval, Meatworks Australia will also need to secure a revised planning permit from the Greater Shepparton City Council in order to construct and operate the proposed facility.
Further information about this application is available at the Engage Victoria website.
Submissions can either be sent by email to works.approvals@epa.vic.gov.au or by mail:
EPA Victoria
GPO Box 4395
Melbourne VIC 3001
Public comments close on June 12.
Please note that any comments received will usually be made publicly available.