General News
15 August, 2025
VCAT date for broiler farm extended
The VCAT hearing for a year-old broiler farm application has been extended with a decision expected later this year.
After a week before the tribunal, the planning application hearing for 705 Baringhup Road, Carisbrook, has been extended by four days scheduled for mid-September.
The Maryborough District Advertiser reported in April that the applicants, Ian and Robert Hurse, had made an application to VCAT because Central Goldfields Shire Council had not decided the permit’s outcome in the prescribed time.
A month later council unanimously refused the application at the May council meeting, but they were too late, the planning decision now rests with VCAT.
According to the Castlemaine-Maryborough Rail Trail (CMRT) committee they, along with land-holders, neighbours, farmers, Central Goldfields and Mt Alexander shires and VicTrack have all lodged formal objections with the tribunal.
CMRT president, Dr Janice Simpson, said the planning application wasn’t compatible with the values and vision for the region.
“In my opinion, the Moolort Plains is at risk of becoming a poultry corridor,” she said.
“We are paying the price — in health, lost tourism, and lost landscape.”
Pavilion Farms, who use the Hurses’ land locally, has three operating broiler farms in the region.
There is also another year-old broiler farm application for 3280 Pyrenees Highway, Carisbrook which has been put on hold by the applicant pending the hearings outcome.
The business’ owner, Michael Vukadinovic, has also previously confirmed with The Maryborough District Advertiser his intention to continue expanding on the Moolort Plains.
“We intend to build more farms [and a bio gas plant] there because it’s the perfect location,” he said.
The VCAT hearing is expected to resume for a further four days on September 16 to 19 with dates