MCU14/0028 Appendix 3 chicken-meat-guidelines

The 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