Gillieston abattoir plan approved

Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has granted a works approval for the construction of a new abattoir and meat processing facility in Gillieston.

The Meatworks Australia Pty Ltd facility will be capable of processing 3000 sheep a day within a series of fully-enclosed buildings, which will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

EPA Executive Director Tim Eaton said the works approval application was thoroughly assessed and took into account the findings of a community conference.

“EPA received 16 submissions on the proposal and held a community conference to further discuss these and work through possible solutions and mitigation measures,” Mr Eaton said.

“The key environmental issues raised by the public were about potential odour, noise and dust, and health impacts from livestock.

“EPA has determined that with controls and suitable works approval conditions the environmental risk can be acceptably managed.”

Before Meatworks Australia can begin construction, they must provide EPA with:

  • Final designs of the processing building ventilation system, covered overflow holding yards, wastewater treatment systems and stormwater system
  • A Construction Environment Management Plan which include management of construction noise
  • The final acoustic design which demonstrates compliance with noise regulations
  • A tree screen planting proposal for the site boundary, holding pens and overflow yards

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