The Queensland-based farming family purchased Torrumbarry Farms Aggregation in July for over $50 million, with the intention of increasing grain production to support its cage-free barn farm in Bendigo.
McLean Farms is now looking to include a rearing farm, cage-free layer farm, free-range layer farm and an ancillary composting facility.
Voluntary community consultation has already commenced in advance of formal community consultation under the development application.
McLean Farms managing director Andy Crocker said the team wanted to meet its new neighbours and ensure transparency about its development plans.
“We’re engaging with our neighbours, local businesses, the Campaspe Shire Council and the Victorian Government as a part of our DA process,” Mr Crocker said.
“We are committed to the communities in which we operate, which is why we are engaging early to explain our plans, listen to the community and consider any concerns that are raised.
“The intention for the new project is to grow over time to a similar scale to our Queensland operations to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality, affordable and nutritious eggs for Australia.”
McLean Farms is one of Australia’s leading egg producers, supplying almost 730 million eggs per year and employing 365 people directly, including a number of contractors in the community.
Over three generations, McLean Farms has grown from a small family farm to a leading producer in the industry, owning and operating a fully integrated farming system.
If all goes to plan, the Torrumbarry Farms project is set to boost regional employment, workforce development and local economic activity.
It is estimated to create more than 234 jobs during the construction phase and once the project is completed.
Mr Crocker said that the majority of the McLean Torrumbarry Farm would remain as irrigated and dryland cropping, producing around 15,000 tonnes of grain per year.
“We’re proud to maintain the grain operation, which will support and underpin future growth, including the development of the egg production facilities,” he said.
“The total size of our holding means the egg farms and composting facility will be geographically dispersed, minimising impacts on our neighbours and providing separation for optimal biosecurity and environmental outcomes.
“We maintain a healthy and productive environment through rigorous biosecurity practices across our entire farming system.”
A community meeting was held on Wednesday night in Torrumbarry.
More one-on-one consultations with key community businesses, neighbours and groups are set to follow.
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