When Torrumbarry landholder Max Marchetti first received notice of a planning permit for a proposed egg farming development near his property, he did not realise just how large the project would be.
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“I had no idea this sort of operation was even being proposed on our quiet little road,” Mr Marchetti said.
“It’s massive, and it’s happening right on our doorstep.”
The proposed $561 million development by McLean Farms has raised concerns among Mr Marchetti and neighbouring landholders, who say the size, location and consultation process surrounding the project are causing alarm across the district, despite broad support for agricultural investment in the region.
McLean Farms, one of Australia’s largest egg producers, is seeking state government approval for a major egg‑laying operation that would include laying sheds, composting facilities and associated infrastructure.
The project is proposed to be built in two stages, housing more than two million chickens and creating up to 474 ongoing jobs.
While locals say they support major businesses investing in regional Victoria, they believe the scale and location of the proposal warrants closer scrutiny.
“We’re not against development,” Mr Marchetti said.
“I’m not against intensive farming or big business at all — I just think this is the wrong place for something of this size, and I don’t feel that’s really been listened to.”
Mr Marchetti said further confusion arose when the address listed on the application did not correspond with the location of the proposed sheds, which he said would be built much closer to neighbouring homes.
Nearby landholder Ian Farr, who lives on Roslynmead Rd adjacent to the proposed site, said he and his wife only became aware of the proposal’s scale after receiving a letter from the department shortly before Easter.
“We were given just days to respond, right over the long weekend,” Mr Farr said.
“You don’t get much time to properly digest what’s involved or what it could mean for your future.”
The letter directed affected landholders to an online planning portal containing hundreds of pages of reports, assessments and application material.
Several landholders told Country News they felt overwhelmed by the volume and complexity of documentation, and unequipped to assess the proposal within such a short time.
Concerns have also been raised by neighbouring pig producer Glenn Southern, whose property sits close to the proposed development.
“I’ve got 10,000 pigs, so biosecurity is a huge issue for me,” Mr Southern said.
“It blows my mind that they want to put chickens right next to pigs.”
Mr Southern said he did not object to development in principle but became concerned once potential impacts on his family and business were raised.
“I don’t want to stop them doing what they want to do,” he said.
“I’m a farmer and they’re farmers, that’s all well and good, but if it’s going to impact me or my family, then I feel like I have no choice but to speak up.”
He said disease risk, particularly bird flu, was among his biggest concerns.
A meeting held at the Torrumbarry Hotel in August last year between company representatives, consultants and about 75 local residents did little to ease community unease, according to those present.
McLean Farms said it conducted 31 voluntary meetings with community members during August last year.
Key issues raised by landholders include increased traffic, noise, lighting, odour, biosecurity concerns and the loss of rural amenity.
Environmental impacts have also been raised.
Mr Marchetti said he had observed endangered plains‑wanderer birds on his property, despite the application’s surveys suggesting the species was not present in the area.
The planning application is being assessed by the state government rather than Campaspe Shire Council.
Campaspe Shire Council acting director of sustainability Kahlia Reid said the applications were being considered by the Department of Transport and Planning under the Development Facilitation Pathway program, which allows certain developments to bypass the council-led planning process.
While Council is not the responsible authority, Ms Reid said council officers had been involved in pre‑application discussions with McLean Farms and would review the documentation.
“Any comments will be provided to the Department of Transport and Planning as the responsible authority,” she said.
Ms Reid said council’s Economic Development and Tourism Strategy recognised agriculture as a key contributor to the economy and social fabric of Campaspe Shire.
Council acknowledged the proposed McLean Farms development was forecast to deliver $561 million in construction and operational value, but declined to comment on the location or scope of the project.
“While council is not the decision‑maker for this proposal, council appreciates McLean’s efforts to engage with our community and ensure local voices are heard,” Ms Reid said.
McLean Farms chief executive officer Andrew Crocker told Country News that they have engaged in thorough consultation, hosting presentations of the projects scale and location, as well as door knocking landholders.
Mr Crocker said that biosecurity is a natural priority for the operation, including consulting DEECA to minimise ecological impacts.