Agribusiness Development

There are several key principles that must be considered when constructing a new, or expanding an existing, cattle feedlot in Western Australia.

Design considerations 

• Separation distances should be calculated using industry guidelines to minimise impacts on nearby sensitive areas.

• Wastewater must be contained, typically using drains and ponds, to protect surface water.

• An impermeable liner beneath feedlot infrastructure is recommended to safeguard groundwater.

• Clearing requirements should be checked on the WA State Government website if vegetation removal is planned.

Regulatory obligations  

Feedlots with a design capacity of 500 head or more require a works approval and licence from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). All feedlots, regardless of size, also require planning approval from the local Shire or City. It is recommended to speak with your local Planning Officer early and to request a scoping meeting with DWER to ensure your proposal is on the right track.

There are several key principles that must be considered when constructing a new, or expanding an existing, egg layer operation in Western Australia.

Design considerations 

• Separation distances should follow egg industry guidelines to minimise impacts on nearby sensitive areas.

• Wastewater must be contained, typically using drains and ponds, to protect surface water.

• An impermeable liner beneath indoor infrastructure is recommended to safeguard groundwater.

• Clearing requirements should be confirmed via the WA State Government website if vegetation removal is proposed.

Regulatory obligations 

Egg layer operations of any size require planning approval from the local Shire or City. Early contact with the Planning Officer is recommended to understand local requirements and support effective planning.

There are several key principles that must be considered when constructing a new, or expanding an existing, sheep feedlot in Western Australia. 

Design considerations 

• Separation distances should follow sheep feedlot guidelines to minimise impacts on nearby sensitive areas.

• Wastewater must be contained, typically using drains and ponds, to protect surface water.

• An impermeable liner beneath feedlot infrastructure is recommended to safeguard groundwater.

• Clearing requirements should be confirmed via the WA State Government website if vegetation removal is proposed.

Regulatory obligations 

Sheep feedlots with a design capacity of 10,000 head or more require a works approval and licence to operate from DWER. It’s recommended to review additional information on the DWER process and request a scoping meeting to support siting, design, and operational planning. Feedlots of any size also require planning approval from the local Shire or City, so early contact with the Planning Officer is encouraged.

There are several key principles that must be considered when constructing a new, or expanding an existing, brewery, winery or distillery in WA.

Design considerations

• Trade waste from beverage production should be treated separately to domestic wastewater from amenities (e.g., toilets, showers, hand basins and other domestic fixtures). The use of leach drains is not a recommended disposal method for agribusiness trade waste.
• All waste applied to land should be done without degradation of soil, groundwater or surface water.
• Irrigation of trade waste should be the last disposal option, with connection to sewer, evaporation or removal offsite considered the recommended alternatives.
• A three-part guidance document is available to determine whether a site is suitable for waste irrigation.

Regulatory obligations

• Alcoholic beverage production operations which fall under prescribed premises (have the capacity to produce over 350 kL per annual period) must apply for planning approvals and works approvals in order to develop or expand production site and infrastructure.
• It is recommended to review additional information on the DWER process and arrange a scoping meeting with DWER to support siting, design, and operational planning.
• Please refer to "Treatment of Sewage and Disposal of Effluent and Liquid Waste Regulation" if you are producing 540 litres or over of liquid waste per day to discuss regulations and planning with local government.
• It is recommended to review the Agribusiness Development Guidelines during site selection and early business planning. The Nutrient and Irrigation Management Plan (NIMP) example can be used as a guide to develop your own plan.