World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
Council delays decision on proposed automated cattle feedlot in Victoria
A 2,206-head undercover cattle feedlot is proposed at Llowalong in south-east Victoria, north of Maffra and Stratford.
The plan would house cattle in enclosed sheds and feed them on a 90-day cycle before they are sent for processing.
Residents oppose the plan over traffic, odour and safety concerns, including the expected increase in heavy truck movements on Llowalong Road.
Opponents presented a petition with almost 700 signatures to Wellington Shire Council.
The council referred the application for further discussion rather than making a final decision.
Farmer Angus Zilm, who is behind the proposal, says it could give local producers access to contract feeding and reduce transport costs.
A council decision is likely next year while the applicant responds to questions and concerns.
Wellington Shire Council delayed a decision on a proposed 2,206-head automated cattle feedlot at Llowalong in Victoria’s south-east.
The council referred the application to its general manager of development for discussion at a future council meeting.
Council chief executive David Morcom said a decision would likely not be made until next year.
Residents opposing the proposal raised concerns about truck traffic, road safety, noise, odour, pollution and health.
Proponent Angus Zilm said the project could offer local cattle producers contract feeding and reduce transport costs.
- Who
- Wellington Shire Council is considering the application, which was submitted by farmer Angus Zilm.
- What
- The council delayed its decision on a proposed 2,206-head undercover, automated cattle feedlot.
- When
- The council discussed the proposal in October 2026. A decision is likely next year.
- Where
- Llowalong, north of Maffra and Stratford in Victoria’s south-east.
- Why
- The application was referred for further discussion as the council considers questions and community concerns.
Local residents opposing the proposal
Proponent Angus Zilm
Traffic and roads
Local residents opposing the proposal
Residents said more than 850 truck movements a year could increase safety risks and that Llowalong Road was unsuitable for the traffic.
Proponent Angus Zilm
Zilm said the facility could let local cattle producers have their animals fed closer to home, potentially reducing transport costs.
Local impacts
Local residents opposing the proposal
Residents raised concerns about noise, odour, pollution, environmental effects and health.
Proponent Angus Zilm
Zilm said the project was being developed with a focus on animal welfare, efficient feeding and environmental management, and that his team was responding to concerns.
Opponents presented a petition with almost 700 signatures to Wellington Shire Council.
The council carried a motion to reject the proposal and referred it to the general manager of development for discussion at a future meeting.
Council chief executive David Morcom said a decision on the application would likely not be made until then.
- Proposed capacity
- 2,206 head
- Location
- Llowalong, north of Maffra and Stratford
- Petition
- Almost 700 signatures
- Estimated truck movements
- More than 850 a year, according to resident Nick Lee
- Proposed feeding cycle
- 90 days
What people are saying
Llowalong Road is not suitable for that volume of heavy traffic.
These applications can be quite complex. There can be quite a lot of to-ing and fro-ing and we will certainly keep you abridged of that process.
We know our neighbours have questions and we take that seriously.
We want to get this right, so we're working through the concerns with our specialist advisers and providing council with the information it needs.