Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms
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Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 2
© State of Queensland, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2012. The Queensland Government supports and encourages the dissemination and exchange of its information. The copyright in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY) licence. Under this licence you are free, without having to seek permission from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, to use this publication in accordance with the licence terms. You must keep intact the copyright notice and attribute the State of Queensland, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as the source of the publication. For more information on this licence visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 3
Contents 1.0 Overview 6 1.1 The industry 6 1.2 Purpose of the guidelines 6 1.3 Scope 6 1.4 Using the guidelines 7 1.5 Review of the guidelines 7 2.0 Planning framework – relevant instruments 8 2.1 Regional Planning 8 2.1.1 South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009–2031 8 2.2 State Planning Policies 9 2.3 Queensland Planning Provisions 9 2.4 Local Government Planning Schemes 9 3.0 The development assessment process 10 3.1 Is a development permit required? 10 3.2 Pre-lodgement meeting 10 3.3 The stages of IDAS 11 3.3.1 Application stage 11 3.3.2 Information and referral stage 11 3.3.3 Notification stage 12 3.3.4 Decision stage 12 4.0 Planning and assessment of development applications 16 4.1 Location and site selection 16 4.2 Natural environment 19 4.3 Farm design 20 4.4 Surface and groundwater 22 5.0 Operational and management considerations 24 5.1 Environmental Management Plan 24 5.2 Key environmental management practices 25 5.2.1 Odour and dust 25 5.2.2 Acoustic management 25 5.2.3 Chemical storage and use 26 5.2.4 Community liaison and complaint management 27 5.2.5 Shed management 27 5.2.6 Waste management 29 5.2.7 Farm biosecurity 33 Bibliography 35 Definitions 39 Appendices 43 Appendix 1 – Fixed buffer distances 43 Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 4
Appendix 2 – Calculating separation distances 46 A 2.1 Introduction 46 A 2.2 Concepts in calculating separation distances 46 A 2.3 S-factor formula for calculating separation distances 47 A 2.3.1 Farm size 49 A 2.3.2 Sensitive land use factor S1 49 A 2.3.3 Surface roughness factor S2 50 A 2.3.4 Terrain weighting factor S3 50 A 2.4 Example calculation – S-factor formula 52 A 2.5 Multiple odour sources and cumulative impacts 53 A 2.6 Plume dispersion modelling 54 Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 5
1.0 Overview
1.1 The industry
The Queensland meat chicken industry makes a significant contribution to the Queensland
economy. The industry employs about 4000 people and produces 102 million birds annually from a
total investment of $600 million. It contributed $370 million in gross value of production (GVP) to
the Queensland economy in 20010–11 i .
Meat chicken farms are located close to processing plants to ensure the welfare of the chickens
during transport and to minimise the cost of transporting the chickens.
In the past, the locations of meat chicken farms in Queensland were typically on the urban fringe.
Urban encroachment has meant that meat chicken farms are now not always located in a rural
setting—some are now located within urban areas of South East Queensland (SEQ). Poultry
production systems and processes have also changed and intensified, resulting in an increased
potential for emissions and impacts on adjacent land which may no longer be used solely for rural
purposes. Proximity to neighbours and urban communities raises the potential for issues such as
odour, dust, pests, farm traffic, noise, and visual and lighting impacts. There are also concerns
about the impacts of waste management and potential for environmental impacts on groundwater
and surface water. It is therefore crucial for meat chicken farms to be appropriately located and
operated to ensure potential impacts on community health and amenity and the general
environment are minimised.
1.2 Purpose of the guidelines
The Queensland Guidelines for Meat Chicken Farms has been developed to provide information
for the planning, design and development of meat chicken farms across Queensland. Whilst not a
compliance, operational or management manual, it provides some advice on operational
arrangements, where relevant, to managing the potential impact of meat chicken farms on the
environment and broader community.
The purpose of the guidelines is to provide consistent information for the planning and
development of meat chicken farms to:
assist local government to include relevant provisions in Local Government Planning Schemes
assist proponents with the development of a new meat chicken farm or the expansion of an
existing farm
provide information about the meat chicken production system to assist local government
officers in assessing development applications
provide an overview of planning frameworks and the development assessment process.
Use of the guidelines by local governments and proponents will respond to the potential for
environmental and health impacts associated with meat chicken farms. In addition, it will contribute
to a more consistent decision-making process and increased certainty for the meat chicken
industry whilst reducing community conflict resulting from the expansion of the industry.
1.3 Scope
The guidelines apply to the development of new meat chicken farms and the expansion or
renovation of existing meat chicken farms.
i
DAFF Prospects for Queensland Primary Industries 2011-2012, March 2012
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 6The guidelines are not designed to cover poultry farming activity other than meat chicken production. Egg production is excluded from these guidelines because a significantly different production system is used. Free-to-range facilities are not considered as these require a specific site-by-site approach. The guidelines recognise the structure of the industry, particularly the typical involvement of both growers and processors in meat chicken production. Usually the grower directly owns and operates the rearing facility, while the processors provide and own the chickens, arrange transport, provide the feed, provide veterinary and management advice, and process and market the chickens. In most instances, the grower operates under a contract with a processing company, and the ongoing performance of the farm is therefore dependent on the actions of both the grower and the processor. The guidelines are not designed to provide site-specific details for all possible site variables and use of the guidelines alone will not necessarily ensure compliance with all planning and environmental management requirements. 1.4 Using the guidelines These guidelines describe the objectives and acceptable solutions that could be implemented when developing a meat chicken farm. These requirements are provided for all parties with an interest in the development and operation of meat chicken farms, but in particular the guidelines focus on requirements to be taken into account when a development application is being prepared or assessed. Proponents considering building a new facility, or expanding/renovating an existing farm, should use the guidelines to inform the planning and design of the facility and establishment of management practices to minimise environmental impacts. The guidelines alone will not ensure good planning and environmental management outcomes, nor provide an exhaustive list of acceptable solutions. Site-specific data, impact assessment and alternative solutions will also be required in many instances. 1.5 Review of the guidelines The guidelines are based on current information and knowledge. Further investigation, research and innovation in farm practice may in the future establish new and refined practices for the industry. Technology to control emissions from meat chicken farms continues to be tested. As technologies are proven, the details need to be readily available to inform the planning and development approval process. Current and ongoing research relating to human health and amenity impacts of emissions from meat chicken farms will also inform future planning and development approval processes. The state government will from time to time revise the guidelines as new peer reviewed information relating to the design, operation, management and environmental impact of meat chicken farms becomes available. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 7
2.0 Planning framework – relevant instruments
The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act) provides a framework for managing the process by
which development takes place. The framework includes regional plans, state planning policies
and standard planning scheme provisions and local government planning schemes.
2.1 Regional Planning
Regional planning plays a key role in helping Queensland meet the challenges associated with
managing rapid growth, population change and economic development, and protecting the
environment and infrastructure provision across multiple local government areas.
Regional plans operate in conjunction with other statutory planning tools, including state planning
policies, local government planning schemes, state planning regulatory provisions and
development assessment processes. Statutory regional plans generally take precedence over
most planning instruments, however where required, state planning regulatory provisions can
override the regional plan. Non-statutory regional plans provide strategic advice and direction, but
do not prevail over other planning instruments.
Regional plans identify:
desired regional outcomes
policies and actions for achieving desired regional outcomes
future regional land use pattern
regional infrastructure provision to service the future regional land use pattern
key regional environmental, economic and cultural resources to be preserved, maintained
or developed.
Regional plans are developed in partnership with local governments, the community and
stakeholders.
2.1.1 South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009–2031
The South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009–2031 (SEQ Regional Plan) provides the
framework for managing growth and development in the SEQ region to 2031. It is the pre-eminent
plan for the SEQ region.
Two components of the SEQ Regional Plan are relevant to the establishment of meat chicken
farms:
The Urban Footprint identifies land to meet the region’s urban development needs to 2031.
Through the allocation of regional land use categories, the SEQ Regional Plan has clarified that
the land within the Urban Footprint is intended for a range of urban activities within the planning
horizon of the plan. There is no need for existing land uses (e.g. poultry farms) within the footprint
to cease operation within this timeframe.
The SEQ Regional Plan identifies 85 per cent of the region as a Regional Landscape and Rural
Production Area (RLRPA). Urban activities will not be approved in these areas within the planning
horizon of the plan. While a proportion of this area comprises protected national and conservation
parks, water storage and state forests, the majority is privately-owned farmland and contributes
significantly to the regional economy. The SEQ Regional Plan proposes policies to help rural
communities, towns and villages remain viable. Subject to local planning scheme provisions, the
RLRPA is the preferred location for meat poultry farms in SEQ.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 82.2 State Planning Policies A state planning policy (SPP) is a statutory instrument for expressing the state’s policy on a specific issue. State interests can apply to the whole or part of the state and provide overall policy direction for regional plans and for local governments' planning schemes. They may also provide detailed codes and standards used in technical aspects of development assessment. SPPs must be considered in assessing and deciding an application. They also have effect in preparing and amending planning schemes. Existing and proposed SPPs should be considered when identifying land for a meat chicken farm. SPPs address the compatibility of land uses and separation distances required between meat chicken farms and other forms of development. Current SPPs can be referenced at http://www.dlgp.qld.gov.au/policies/state-planning-policies.html 2.3 Queensland Planning Provisions The SP Act allows the making of standard planning scheme provisions, known as the Queensland Planning Provisions (QPP). The QPP provides a consistent format and structure for local government planning schemes across Queensland through: standardised structure format land use administrative definitions zones levels of assessment overlays infrastructure planning provisions development of assessment codes administrative matters. The QPP further provides for local government to incorporate local content and variation to reflect the context of the local government area. The QPP prescribes standard land-use definitions and zones that must be included in planning schemes across Queensland as, and when, schemes are updated. Poultry farming is covered by the definition of ‘intensive animal industry’ and included under the Rural Zone (Level 1). The QPP also provides for the development and adoption of standardised assessment codes. 2.4 Local Government Planning Schemes A planning scheme is an instrument made by a local government that advances the purposes of the SP Act by providing an integrated planning policy for the local government's planning scheme area. Planning schemes must appropriately reflect the standard planning scheme provisions; identify the strategic outcomes for the planning scheme area; include measures that facilitate achieving the strategic outcomes; coordinate and integrate the matters dealt with by the planning scheme; include a priority infrastructure plan; and include a structure plan for any land in the planning scheme area that is a declared master plan area. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 9
3.0 The development assessment process
The Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS), established under SP Act, provides a
single legal administrative framework for the assessment and approval of almost all development
in Queensland.
It is advantageous to undertake a pre-lodgement meeting with the relevant local government
before the formal submission of a development application.
The information and referral stage of IDAS serves two purposes: firstly, it provides an opportunity
to ask the applicant for more information; secondly, it provides for consideration of other interests
by referral agencies that are outside the scope of the assessment manager.
Most meat chicken farm developments, as prescribed by local planning schemes, require public
notification with subsequent appeal rights for submitters.
The decision stage of IDAS sets out the requirements for assessment managers when assessing
development applications.
3.1 Is a development permit required?
A development permit must be obtained prior to assessable development being carried out.
Development applications are made to the assessment manager, which in most circumstances for
meat chicken farms is the local government where the farm is to be located.
Assessable development is prescribed by local planning schemes and the Sustainable Planning
Regulation 2009 (SP Regulation).
Local planning schemes vary from local government to local government. There is considerable
variation in the definitions of meat chicken farms, what development is assessable and the level of
assessment required.
The SP Regulation prescribes assessable development and this includes meat chicken farms that
come within the definition of Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA) 4 (Poultry farming) under the
Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 (EP Regulation). Poultry farming consists of farming a
total of more than 1000 birds for:
producing eggs or fertile eggs
rearing hatchlings, starter pullets or layers
rearing birds for meat, including:
- chickens
- ducks
- geese
- guineafowl
- turkeys.
3.2 Pre-lodgement meeting
Proponents of meat chicken farm development are encouraged to consult with local government
early in the planning stages. Consultation with local councils will provide preliminary feedback on
the appropriateness of the proposed meat chicken farm providing for increased certainty in the
development process.
Many local governments provide a pre-lodgement service that enables an applicant to discuss a
proposal with them prior to lodging the development application.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 10The idea of seeking pre-lodgement advice is to help identify issues relevant to the proposal or site location, and to identify strategic objectives for the development of the area. It should not be used to seek determination of the application (i.e. advice on whether the application will be approved/refused or a relaxation of a development standard granted). It is also possible (and recommended) to discuss a proposal with a referral agency (if applicable) during the conceptualisation phase of the project. A referral agency may also provide a response on a matter prior to lodging the application with the assessment manager. A fee may be charged by local government for pre-lodgement advice. For further information contact the relevant local government. 3.3 The stages of IDAS 3.3.1 Application stage A development application must: be made to the assessment manager be in the approved form or made electronically using Smart eDA be accompanied by any mandatory supporting information specified for the application be accompanied by the required fee include the land owner’s consent, if this is required under the SP Act include evidence of resource entitlement if the development involves a state resource. Further information is provided by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning fact sheet Development assessment—properly made applications available on that department’s website. 3.3.2 Information and referral stage An IDAS referral agency is a generic term and covers both ‘advice’ agencies and ‘concurrence’ agencies. If there is a requirement under the SP Regulation for an entity other than the assessment manager to have input into the assessment of a development application, it is referred to that agency. A referral may be for the purpose of seeking advice on an application, or for determining any requirements an agency may impose on an application. The type of referral that applies is prescribed in the SP Regulation. Referral agencies operate within a defined jurisdiction. An advice agency may make recommendations and offer advice on conditions of approval or regarding refusal of an application. It cannot make a request for further information or direct the decision about the application. An advice agency can ask the assessment manager to treat its response as a properly made submission and therefore opens up appeal rights. A concurrence agency, in addition to offering advice, has the power (within the jurisdiction defined in the SP Regulation) to direct the outcome of an application. It can require certain conditions be imposed on an approval, that an approval be for part only of the development or for a preliminary approval only, or that an application be refused. Local governments have devolved responsibility for administering meat chicken developments that are an ERA. As a result, local governments deal with the application as an assessment manager for the ERA. The applicant may be required under Schedule 7 of the SP Regulation to refer the application to other concurrence agencies. The assessment manager or a concurrence agency for an application may ask any person for advice or comment about the application at any stage of IDAS. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 11
3.3.3 Notification stage
Development applications requiring impact assessment must be publicly notified. This is known as
the public notification stage of IDAS. Submissions may be made by people other than the applicant
or a concurrence agency during the public notification period for impact assessable development
or a combined application including an impact assessable component. Submissions may influence
the outcome of an application and must be accepted by the assessment manager if properly made.
Public notification of development applications ensures that the public is aware of the development
and gives them the opportunity to make submissions about it. A properly made submission will
secure for the submitter the right to appeal to the Planning and Environment Court about the
assessment manager’s decision.
Many local governments require impact assessment for meat chicken farms of particular intensity
and particular zoning/locality. It is necessary to check the local planning schemes to determine
what level of assessment applies to the proposed development.
Meat chicken farm developments that fall under the definition of ERA 4 (Poultry farming) in the EP
Regulation are generally prescribed as impact assessable development and therefore require
public notification.
3.3.4 Decision stage
Assessable development may require code assessment, impact assessment or both.
The environmental impacts of a development are assessed as part of the decision stage of IDAS
for all development applications (code assessable or impact assessable).
If an application (or part of an application) requires code assessment, the assessment manager
must assess the part of the application against the matters specified in the SP Act to the extent
that the matters are relevant to the development.
The assessment manager must also have regard to the common material, any development
approval for, and any lawful use of, the land subject of the application, any referral agency’s
response and the purposes of any instrument containing an applicable code.
If an application (or part of an application) requires impact assessment, the assessment manager
must assess the part of the application against the matters specified in the SP Act to the extent
that the matters are relevant to the development.
If the administering authority is the assessment manager or a referral agency for a development
application for an activity (e.g. ERA 4 Poultry farming), in assessing the application the
administering authority must:
comply with any relevant regulatory requirement ii
ii
Regulatory requirement means a requirement under an environmental protection policy or a regulation for the
administering authority to:
a) grant or refuse to grant, or follow stated procedures for evaluating, any of the following applications:
i. a development application for which the administering authority is the assessment manager or a referral
agency
ii. an environmental authority application
iii. an application for approval of a transitional environmental program
b) impose, change or cancel a condition on a development approval for a Chapter 4 activity, an environmental authority
or an approval of a transitional environmental program.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 12 consider the standard criteria iii and any additional information given in relation to the
application.
The administering authority must for making an environmental management decision relating to an
activity, consider the following matters:
each of the following under any relevant environmental protection policies:
- management hierarchy
- environmental values
- quality objectives
- management intent
environmental values declared under this regulation
the characteristics of the contaminants or materials released from carrying out the activity
the nature and management of, including the use and availability of technology relating to, the
processes being, or to be, used in carrying out the activity
the impact of the release of contaminants or materials from carrying out the activity on the
receiving environment, including the cumulative impact of the release with other known
releases of contaminants, materials or wastes
the characteristics of the receiving environment and the potential impact on it from carrying out
the activity
for each affected person iv for the activity—the order of occupancy or use between the person
carrying out the activity and the affected person
iii
Standard criteria means:
a) the principles of ecologically sustainable development as set out in the National Strategy for Ecologically
Sustainable Development
b) any applicable environmental protection policy
c) any applicable commonwealth, state or local government plans, standards, agreements or requirements
d) any applicable environmental impact study, assessment or report
e) the character, resilience and values of the receiving environment
f) all submissions made by the applicant and submitters
g) the best practice environmental management for activities under any relevant instrument, or proposed instrument, as
follows:
i. an environmental authority
ii. a transitional environmental program
iii. an environmental protection order
iv. a disposal permit
v. a development approval
h) the financial implications of the requirements under an instrument, or proposed instrument, mentioned in paragraph
g) as they would relate to the type of activity or industry carried out, or proposed to be carried out, under the
instrument
i) the public interest
j) any applicable site management plan
k) any relevant integrated environmental management system or proposed integrated environmental management
system
l) any other matter prescribed under a regulation.
iv
Affected person means a person affected, or who may be affected, by the release of a contaminant or waste from
carrying out the activity.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 13 the remaining capacity of the receiving environment to accept contaminants or wastes released
from future activities while protecting environmental values
the quantity and type of greenhouse gases released, and the measures proposed to
demonstrate the release is minimised using best practice methods that include strategies for
continuous improvement.
If the application is for an increase in the scale or intensity of the poultry farm, the administering
authority must assess the application having regard to the proposed activity and the existing
activity, and the total likely or potential environmental harm these activities may cause.
The assessment manager must also have regard to the common material, any development
approval for, and any lawful use of, the land subject of the application, and any referral agency’s
response.
Once the application has been assessed, the assessment manager must decide to either approve
(in whole or in part) or refuse the application. If a concurrence agency has given a response about
the application, the assessment manager is bound by that response. If the application is approved,
the assessment manager may impose conditions on the approval and must impose conditions
required by a concurrence agency.
The administering authority must for making an environmental management decision relating to an
activity, consider whether to impose conditions about the following matters:
implementing a system for managing risks to the environment
implementing measures for avoiding or minimising the release of contaminants or waste
ensuring an adequate distance between any sensitive land uses v and the relevant site for the
activity to which the decision relates
limiting or reducing the size of the initial mixing zone or attenuation zone vi , if any, that may be
affected by the release of contaminants
treating contaminants before they are released
restricting the type, quality, quantity, concentration or characteristics of contaminants that can
be released
the way in which contaminants may be released
ensuring a minimum degree of dispersion happens when a contaminant is released
protecting environmental values, and meeting quality objectives, under relevant environmental
protection policies
recycling, storing, transferring or disposing of waste in a particular way
rehabilitating land to achieve particular outcomes
measuring the ongoing protection of environmental values that are, or may be, adversely
affected by the activity.
The Environment Protection Act 1994 envisages that it is possible for a development approval to
contain a valid condition which allows the emission of odour beyond the boundary of a property on
which poultry farming is conducted.
v
Sensitive land use means a sensitive land use under any relevant environmental protection policies.
vi
Attenuation zone means the area around a release of contaminants to groundwater in which the concentration of the
contaminants in the release is reduced to ambient levels through physico-chemical and microbiological processes.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 14After deciding the application, the assessment manager must give the applicant and any referral agencies a decision notice. Copies of the decision notice will also be provided to all principal submitters. A development approval attaches to the nominated lots on plan. Under the EP Act, to lawfully carry out a poultry farming ERA, a person must obtain a registration certificate from the local government. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 15
4.0 Planning and assessment of development
applications
This section provides information for local government to use in considering the site and design
assessment of development applications for a meat chicken farm.
Proponents should be aware that a development application will be assessed against the local
government's planning scheme.
4.1 Location and site selection
Meat chicken farms must be appropriately located on suitable sites having particular regard to the
scale of the farm, land size and location, topography, potential for environmental impacts and
potential for impact on surrounding sensitive land uses. New farms should be located on land that
is suitably separated from sensitive land uses, yet within proximity to feed suppliers and processing
facilities.
The provision of separation distances between meat chicken farm developments and sensitive
land uses/non-rural zones is a way of achieving a balance between the development of the meat
chicken industry and concerns of the community. Fixed buffer distances are also used to provide
protection to the environment while allowing for ecologically sustainable development.
Meat chicken farms should be located within a rural zone (standard Queensland Planning
Provisions Zone).
Also there should be appropriate separation and buffer distances for meat chicken farms (refer to
Appendixes 1 and 2) from drinking water catchments, declared water catchment and groundwater
recharge areas, and other locational requirements to ensure that rural zones are capable of
accommodating future industry growth.
To reflect the strategic intent of minimising the potential for land use conflicts, farms should be
appropriately separated from non-rural zones.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 16Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
Meat chicken farms must: The meat chicken farm is separated from:
be developed so as not to cause unlawful non-rural zones
environmental harm vii as a result of: sensitive land uses in the rural zone
- noise surface water, wells and bores
- odour, particulate matter or other air declared fish habitats defined in the
emission Fisheries Act 1994 and regulation
- water contamination High Ecological Value waters defined in
- visual appearance the Environmental Protection (Water)
- traffic associated with the farm Policy 2009 (EPP Water).
- lighting.
be separated from one another to (Appendixes 1 and 2 provide a guide on
minimise the risk of animal to animal separation and buffer distances)
disease transfer between farms
be elevated to enable adequate Note 1: When assessing separation distances
ventilation and drainage the S-factor methodology should be used for
have adequate vehicle access meat chicken farms up to 300 000 birds, and
not be subject to flooding odour dispersion modelling should be used for
be provided with a reliable water supply farms with more than 300 000 birds. Odour
and electricity supply dispersion modelling can also be used for meat
be located within reasonable proximity to chicken farms with less than 300 000 birds, if
processing plants separation distances are less than required by
not interfere with sites or places of the S-factor methodology.
significant cultural heritage or nature
conservation. Note 2: Odour dispersion modelling should be
carried out based on best practice modelling
under Queensland conditions, e.g. 'Best Practice
Guidance for the Queensland Poultry Industry–
Plume Dispersion Modelling and Meteorological
Processing (PAE Holmes, 2011)'.
A2
The land the meat chicken farm is
developed on has an appropriate area and
dimensions to provide for adequate
setbacks of buildings, sheds, dams, internal
roads and waste disposal areas from:
sensitive land uses in the rural zone
non-rural land zones
surface water, wells and bores
declared fish habitat areas defined in the
Fisheries Act 1994 and regulation
High Ecological Value waters defined in
the Environmental Protection (Water)
Policy 2009 (EPP Water).
(Appendixes 1 and 2 provide a guide on
separation and buffer distances)
vii
Environmental harm is defined in the Definitions section of this document.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 17A3
The land the meat chicken farm is
developed on has adequate area for the
sustainable management and utilisation of
litter, or alternative methods for
management and offsite disposal of litter
(e.g. composting).
A4
The following separation distances are
maintained to provide appropriate animal
biosecurity measures:
1000 metres between new and existing
meat chicken farm complexes and any
alternative form of intensive poultry
farming (chickens, turkeys, guineafowl,
ducks, geese, quails, pigeons,
pheasants, partridges, ostriches and
emus reared or kept in captivity)
5000 metres between a meat chicken
farm complex and a meat chicken
breeder farm.
A5
The land the meat chicken farm is
developed on:
has an average gradient of less than
10%
has a development footprint, including
waste areas, access points and
driveway, that are not subject to flooding
by the 100 year ARI event
is accessed by an all-weather road
network
is generally not low lying
has a permanent three phase electricity
supply
has a good quality and reliable water
supply. Back-up water supply (tanks) or
contingency for at least two days water
is provided in case of breakdown or loss
of supply.
A6
The development of the meat chicken farm
complies with state and federal nature
conservation and cultural heritage legislation
and regulations such as:
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Heritage Protection Act 1984
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Heritage Protection Amendment Act
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 18 Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage
Act 2003
Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999
Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999
Nature Conservation Act 1992 and
regulations
Nature Conservation (Koala)
Conservation Plan 2006
A7
The development of the meat chicken farm
complies with:
State Planning Policy 1/92 Development
and the Conservation of Agricultural
Land
Strategic Cropping Land Act 2011 and
regulation
State Planning Policy 1/12 Protection of
Queensland’s Strategic Cropping Land
4.2 Natural environment
Meat chicken farms must be developed and managed so that the potential for significant impacts
on the natural environment are minimised. This is achieved by avoiding removal of significant
vegetation and by ensuring appropriate separation distances to surface water.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
Buildings, sheds, other structures, and waste Buildings (excluding residential or
disposal areas must be sited, constructed administrative buildings), sheds, other
and managed so that operation of the meat structures and waste disposal areas must be
chicken farm does not cause unlawful set back from surface water, and declared
environmental harm. fish habitat areas in accordance with the
distances set out in Appendix 1.
P2
The development of the meat chicken farm A2
does not cause the loss of biodiversity at Any vegetation clearing associated with the
state, regional or levels or interfere with development of the meat chicken farm
ecological processes. complies with the Vegetation Management
Act 1999, the Vegetation Management
P3 Regulation 2000, the State Policy for
Meat chicken farms do not cause the loss or Vegetation Management – version 2, SPP
degradation of surface waters, marine parks 2/10 Koala Conservation in South East
or declared fish habitats. Queensland, and the Regional Vegetation
Management Code for South East
Queensland Bioregion – version 2 and
vegetation clearing requirements contained
within the relevant local government
planning scheme.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 19A3
The development of the meat chicken farm
complies with the:
Strategy for the conservation and
management of Queensland’s wetlands
Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 and regulation
Nature Conservation Act 1992 and
regulations and plans
Environmental Protection Act 1994 and
regulations
State Planning Policy 2/02 Planning and
Managing Development Involving Acid
Sulphate Soils
State Planning Policy 1/03 Mitigating the
Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and
Landslide
Queensland Coastal Plan 2011
4.3 Farm design
The design of meat chicken farms is a key element to a sustainable operation, reducing the
potential for adverse impacts on surrounding sensitive land uses. Site layout, roads, stormwater
drainage systems, farm construction methods and water and feed supply systems must be
designed to prevent, minimise, manage (in this order) the potential for such impacts. Landscaping
should also be used to minimise the visual impact of meat chicken farm buildings and handling
areas. The design and operation of the meat chicken farm must be such as to ensure the
provisions of the EP Act and regulations are achieved.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
The built form of the development is Sheds and other structures are sited to
integrated into the landscape, and utilises achieve the separation and buffer distances
site topography, existing vegetation recommended in Appendixes 1 and 2.
supplemented by augmented planting to
minimise the visual impact of the A2
development. Sheds should be orientated with the long
axis east- west where possible so as to
P2 minimise solar heat absorption (but not at
The built form of the development is oriented the expense of the other acceptable
considering local meteorological conditions outcomes).
including wind patterns and atmospheric
stability, solar patterns and topographic A3
characteristics of the land, to reduce the Fans on tunnel-ventilated sheds should be
potential for impacts on the amenity of located on the end of the shed that is
surrounding sensitive land uses. furthest from sensitive land uses to minimise
the impacts of odour.
P3
All sheds are designed to be bird proof and A4
to minimise rodent entry when in operation. Sheds must be constructed so that native
birds are unable to enter.
P4 Sheds must be designed to minimise rodent
The use of existing vegetation and entry and a baiting program must be
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 20supplementary plantings to minimise visual implemented to control rodents.
impacts of the development footprint.
A5
P5 Retention of existing trees and other
Driveways are located so as to minimise vegetation where practicable with provision
adverse impacts on external traffic networks of supplementary planting to ensure
and sensitive land uses. vegetated buffers are established and
maintained between the meat chicken farm
P6 and sensitive land uses (refer to the
Sight distances to and from driveways are vegetated buffer element design section of
sufficient to ensure safe operation. the Planning Guidelines: Separating
Agricultural and Residential Land Uses
P7 1997).
Access points and driveways are designed
and constructed to a standard appropriate for A6
the design traffic type and volumes. Driveways are located so that they do not
interfere with the function of adjoining roads.
P8
The access and driveway must be designed A7
to ensure that: Access points and roads are located to
ingress and egress for all vehicles is in a minimise noise impacts on neighbouring
forward gear sensitive land uses.
access gates are located so that service
vehicles can be wholly located on site A8
when accessing the premises. Sight distances at driveways must comply
with the requirements of the relevant Local
P9 government or Department of Transport and
Any external lighting must be designed so as Main Roads (TMR).
to not have an adverse impact on
surrounding sensitive land uses. A9
The driveway and access points must be
P10 constructed to the standard required by the
A reliable water and electricity supply is relevant local government or TMR.
provided.
A10
A suitable area must be provided so that:
all vehicles can turn around and leave
the property in a forward gear
all service vehicles can park fully on site
while accessing the premises
vehicles can be washed and disinfected
before and after entering the meat
chicken farm complex (production area).
A11
All external lighting is designed and
operated in accordance with the Australian
Standard AS4282: The control of obtrusive
effects of outdoor lighting.
A12
A reliable source of drinking water that
complies with the poultry drinking water
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 21standards in the National Farm Biosecurity
Manual Poultry Production is available.
A13
A back-up water supply must be maintained
which has a minimum of two days water
supply available at all times for emergency
use.
A14
Strategies are implemented for managing
power supply failures (e.g. installation of
back-up generators).
4.4 Surface and groundwater
Stormwater management is important to ensure that development does not adversely impact on
the environmental values and water quality of a waterway or wetland. Meat chicken farming is an
intensive use and requires active management of stormwater to ensure that run-off and leachate
from nutrient rich sources do not pollute surface waters (creeks, rivers, dams, lakes, etc) and
groundwater.
Performance criteria Acceptable solution
P1 A1
The design and operation of the meat No acceptable solution.
chicken farm incorporates integrated water
management elements so that: A2
stormwater peak discharges and run-off Locating the meat chicken farm complex
volumes are not increased (including sheds and waste storage areas)
natural drainage lines and hydrological on land that is not subject to flooding by the
regimes are maintained as far as 100 year ARI event.
practicable.
A3
P2 Wash down water should be:
The environmental values and quality of the collected and stored in a suitably sized
receiving waters within or downstream of the effluent pond
development are maintained. applied sustainably to utilisation areas.
P3 A4
Stormwater must be prevented from entering Nutrient, pathogen and contaminant levels
all sheds and waste storage areas. in stormwater discharged from the meat
chicken farm do not exceed the water
quality guideline levels of the Australian and
New Zealand guidelines for fresh and
marine water quality 2000 and the relevant
regional plan prior to release into the
environment.
A5
Buffer zones are provided around the meat
chicken farm complex and litter utilisation
areas (see Appendix 1) to reduce the risk of
surface water contamination.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 22A6
The base of all sheds is elevated above
natural ground level to ensure that
stormwater run-off does not enter the sheds.
A7
Onsite waste storage and management
areas (e.g. litter and dead birds) should be
protected from stormwater run-off by the
construction of diversion banks and be
located on an impermeable base.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 235.0 Operational and management considerations
This section details the operational and environmental management considerations when
assessing a development application for a meat chicken farm and attaching environmental
conditions to a development approval. It also provides applicants with a guideline for operating and
managing a meat chicken farm.
5.1 Environmental Management Plan
All meat chicken farms should develop and implement site-based EMPs that will aim to minimise
the potential for operational impact on the surrounding environmental values and the amenity of
neighbouring communities.
The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) has produced a national
Environmental Management System (EMS) for the meat chicken industry with an example and
explanatory notes for developing an EMP. The EMS should only be considered as a starting point
and application of such framework will need to further articulate site-specific considerations as well
as identifying assumptions supporting air quality or acoustic modelling assessment.
The EMP is a formal commitment that all reasonable and practical efforts will be made to operate
the meat chicken farm in an environmentally sustainable manner. The EMP provides a system for
documenting:
environmental hazards and risks of the meat chicken farm
how these risks will be minimised by design and management strategies
the process for monitoring the effectiveness of the design and management strategies
how the results of the monitoring will be reported.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
Documentation must demonstrate that the A site-specific EMP is developed by the farm
environmental risks of the meat chicken farm owner/manager and implemented in
development have been identified and accordance with the National Environmental
appropriate design and management Management System for the Meat Chicken
measures have been considered and will be Industry. The EMP must include:
implemented to minimise the risks and an assessment of environmental and
impacts to the environment. community health risks
strategies and measures for minimising
environmental and community health
risks and contingency actions for
managing problems that may arise
planned courses of action in cases of
incidents or emergencies relating to all
significant risks, including unexpected
increased odour emissions, a high
incidence of bird deaths, disease
outbreaks and fire, in accordance with
risk management principles.
A2
The EMP is maintained and updated as
required by the farm owner/manager and is
available for inspection by the relevant
regulatory authority.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 245.2 Key environmental management practices
5.2.1 Odour and dust
The operation of meat chicken farms generates dust and odour emissions. Dust and odour have
the potential to impact the environment, human health and amenity. A combination of sound design
of sheds, good farm management practices, regular cleaning and maintenance of facilities,
effective pollution control and waste management, and provision of adequate separation distances
are required to minimise offensive odours and unacceptable dust impacts.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
Development and operation of the meat Design and environmental management
chicken farm must prevent or minimise practices ensure that emissions from the
emissions of odour, dust and air pollutants. meat chicken farm does not cause unlawful
environmental harm or environmental
nuisance or impact human health and
wellbeing.
5.2.2 Acoustic management
Noise from meat chicken farms has the potential to adversely affect nearby sensitive land uses
(continuous and intermittent noises). Typical sources include truck and tractor movements, feed
equipment and fans on sheds. The transmission of noise and resulting impacts are affected by
many factors, including atmospheric conditions, local topography, and natural and artificial barriers.
Residents are much more sensitive to noise during the evening and night, and the potential for
sleep interruption is of particular concern. The potential impacts and effect of noise on nearby
sensitive land uses can be minimised during the design and planning stage of development. Noise
levels generated by meat chicken farms, including associated activities such as vehicle
movements, must not cause unacceptable acoustic impacts on surrounding sensitive land uses.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
Development and operation of the meat Noise from the operation of the meat
chicken farm must prevent or minimise noise chicken farm does not cause unlawful
emissions. environmental nuisance.
A2
The following design and operational
provisions should be considered to minimise
the potential for noise impact on surrounding
sensitive land uses:
Access points and roads are located to
minimise noise impacts on neighbouring
sensitive land uses.
Access roads are designed to avoid the
use of sharp turns.
The design and siting of all mechanical
equipment, including fans, pneumatic
feed systems and other equipment,
minimises the generation of mechanical
noise and the likelihood of off-site
vibration.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 25 Shed cleaning and the removal of spent
litter should be undertaken during
daylight hours to minimise noise
impacts.
Meat chicken farm operators should
endeavour to minimise noise at all times
from equipment and machinery,
especially where a farm is close to
sensitive land uses.
Regular on-farm environmental risk
assessment is undertaken to ensure that
noise risk is low.
5.2.3 Chemical storage and use
Farm fuel must be stored and used in a way that ensures it does not impact on surface water,
groundwater and soil, and complies with the provisions of the EP Act and regulations.
Chemicals must be stored and used in accordance with the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011
and regulations and any local government requirements.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
The storage and handling of dangerous All agricultural chemicals used on meat
chemicals comply with the requirements of chicken farms are registered by the
the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 Australian Pesticides and Veterinary
and the Workplace Health and Safety Medicines Authority.
Regulation 2011
P2 A register of all dangerous goods and
Strategies are implemented that minimise combustible liquids stored and handled on
risks from the storage and use of chemicals the farm must be kept and maintained. If
to human health and the environment. required, Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) should be available for all
chemicals stored and used.
A2
Sheds are closed during chemical
applications to minimise the risk of off-site
chemical spray drift. Sheds are closed for
recommended time after spraying with
odorous or toxic substances.
There is no spray drift or run-off that impacts
sensitive land areas.
Chemicals and fuel are stored and used
safely, according to manufacturer’s
instructions. Empty drums and other
chemical containers are disposed of in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 265.2.4 Community liaison and complaint management
Liaison between the property owner/manager and neighbours can be helpful in communicating
information for the purposes of avoiding and managing complaints. Open lines of communication
help in identifying problems, verifying complaints and successfully applying relevant remedies to
minimise the impact of farm operations on neighbouring sensitive land uses. Strategies for
managing community liaison, with a focus on environmental performance of the meat chicken farm
should be implemented.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcome
P1 A1
The meat chicken farm must incorporate Communication strategies that include:
strategies for managing community liaison, Neighbours to be informed of unusual
with a focus on environmental performance. events or problems that may affect their
amenity. The expected timeframe of the
impact, and the mitigation strategies that
have been initiated should also be
communicated.
Where a complaint is received by the
meat chicken farm it should be
investigated and any problems found
should be rectified. The complainant
should be informed of the outcome of
the investigation and any actions taken
to rectify any identified problem.
Full details of complaints received,
results of investigations and corrective
actions are recorded in a complaint
register.
Farm management participation and
cooperation to assist in resolving
disputes relating to environmental
impacts of the meat chicken farm.
5.2.5 Shed management
The management of meat chicken sheds will determine the extent to which the farm impacts on the
surrounding environment (particularly those activities that have the potential to cause odour). The
activities covered in this section are the stocking density of sheds, management of bedding
materials and litter, litter clean-out and shed and equipment maintenance.
The management of bedding materials and litter influences whether a meat chicken farm will cause
odour or dust nuisance. When litter becomes too dry, dust problems occur and when litter
becomes too wet, odour problems occur. Both of these situations have the potential to result in
environmental nuisance being caused, poor bird health and potential health problems for farm
workers.
Sheds are generally allowed one to two weeks down time after bird harvest for shed clean-out,
disinfection and fumigation between batches. This minimises the risk of disease. There are three
common practices adopted in Queensland for litter clean-out:
Single use litter – Spent litter is removed after each batch of chickens and replaced with fresh
litter. There is total replacement of all spent litter.
Partial re-use – Litter is removed from the brooder and placed in the second half of the shed
or removed entirely. If time permits the litter to be re-used, it is heaped to allow pasteurisation
and then respread in the second half of the shed. Fresh litter is placed in the brooder.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 27 Multi-use litter – Only caked material is removed and litter may be re-used after each batch of
chickens. Shed is disinfected with litter in place, or litter is heaped in the shed for a period of
time for pasteurisation. Litter may be used 3–5 times.
Details on litter clean-out can be found in the Meat Chicken Technical Environmental Note 1, FSA
Environmental – http://fsaconsulting.net/pdfs/Note%201-Litter%20Clean-out%20V2.pdf
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
Sheds stocking densities must be managed Sheds must be stocked at densities that
to ensure: comply with the Animal Care and Protection
the minimum standard of animal welfare Regulation 2002.
is complied with and/or exceeded
bird health and performance is not A2
reduced. The material for bedding should:
be dry, light and highly absorbent
P2 dry rapidly
Bedding should be appropriate for use in remain friable
meat chicken sheds. be free of contaminants such as heavy
metals and preservatives
P3 be suitable for use as a soil conditioner
The moisture content of the shed litter must or fertiliser
be managed to minimise odour, dust and be cost-effective.
ammonia emissions.
A3
Litter and manure beetles need to be Litter moisture in the sheds should be
controlled to avoid damage to insulation and maintained between 15 and 30 per cent
wood structures and to reduce the risk of moisture content (wet basis).
disease spread.
Extra dry bedding material or dry litter
P4 should be added to areas of wet litter in the
Shed cleaning, sanitation and fumigation shed or the wet litter should be removed
practices that: and replaced.
minimise the risk of disease transmission
between batches Evenly distribute at least 45 mm of
minimise noise, dust and odour impact uncompacted bedding to sheds at the start
from shed cleaning on sensitive land of a batch.
uses.
Waterers must be maintained and repaired
P5 to minimise leakage that will result in wet
Sheds and equipment must be maintained patches in the shed litter
and repaired to minimise odour, dust and
noise emissions from the meat chicken farm. Control measures (such as pesticide
application, composting spent litter, total
shed clean-out or a combination of these)
should be implemented to control manure
beetles.
A4
Avoid cleaning sheds when litter is
excessively dry or wet to minimise dust and
odour impacts.
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