Queensland Guidelines: Meat Chicken Farms - Department of ...

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. 

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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 


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 


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 


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. 


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. 


2.2 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. 


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. 


The 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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


After 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. 


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. 


Performance criteria 

P1 

Meat chicken farms must: 

be developed so as not to cause unlawful 

environmental harm vii as a result of: 

- noise 

- odour, particulate matter or other air 

emission 

- water contamination 

- visual appearance 

- traffic associated with the farm 

- lighting. 

be separated from one another to 

minimise the risk of animal to animal 

disease transfer between farms 

be elevated to enable adequate 

ventilation and drainage 

have adequate vehicle access 

not be subject to flooding 

be provided with a reliable water supply 

and electricity supply 

be located within reasonable proximity to 

processing plants 

not interfere with sites or places of 

significant cultural heritage or nature 

conservation. 

Acceptable outcomes 

A1 

The meat chicken farm is separated from: 

non-rural zones 

sensitive land uses in the rural zone 

surface water, wells and bores 

declared fish habitats 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) 

Note 1: When assessing separation distances 

the S-factor methodology should be used for 

meat chicken farms up to 300 000 birds, and 

odour dispersion modelling should be used for 

farms with more than 300 000 birds. Odour 

dispersion modelling can also be used for meat 

chicken farms with less than 300 000 birds, if 

separation distances are less than required by 

the S-factor methodology. 

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. 


A3 


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 


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 


Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage 

Act 2003 

Environment Protection and Biodiversity 

Conservation Act 1999 


Conservation Act 1999 

Nature Conservation Act 1992 and 

regulations 

Nature Conservation (Koala) 

Conservation Plan 2006 

A7 


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. 


P1 

Buildings, sheds, other structures, and waste 

disposal areas must be sited, constructed 

and managed so that operation of the meat 

chicken farm does not cause unlawful 

environmental harm. 

P2 


does not cause the loss of biodiversity at 

state, regional or levels or interfere with 

ecological processes. 

P3 

Meat chicken farms do not cause the loss or 

degradation of surface waters, marine parks 

or declared fish habitats. 


A1 

Buildings (excluding residential or 

administrative buildings), sheds, other 

structures and waste disposal areas must be 

set back from surface water, and declared 

fish habitat areas in accordance with the 

distances set out in Appendix 1. 

A2 

Any vegetation clearing associated with the 

development of the meat chicken farm 

complies with the Vegetation Management 

Act 1999, the Vegetation Management 

Regulation 2000, the State Policy for 

Vegetation Management – version 2, SPP 

2/10 Koala Conservation in South East 

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. 


A3 


complies with the: 

Strategy for the conservation and 

management of Queensland’s wetlands 


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. 


P1 

The built form of the development is 

integrated into the landscape, and utilises 

site topography, existing vegetation 

supplemented by augmented planting to 

minimise the visual impact of the 

development. 

P2 

The built form of the development is oriented 

considering local meteorological conditions 

including wind patterns and atmospheric 

stability, solar patterns and topographic 

characteristics of the land, to reduce the 

potential for impacts on the amenity of 

surrounding sensitive land uses. 

P3 

All sheds are designed to be bird proof and 

to minimise rodent entry when in operation. 

P4 

The use of existing vegetation and 


A1 

Sheds and other structures are sited to 

achieve the separation and buffer distances 

recommended in Appendixes 1 and 2. 

A2 

Sheds should be orientated with the long 

axis east- west where possible so as to 

minimise solar heat absorption (but not at 

the expense of the other acceptable 

outcomes). 

A3 

Fans on tunnel-ventilated sheds should be 

located on the end of the shed that is 

furthest from sensitive land uses to minimise 

the impacts of odour. 

A4 

Sheds must be constructed so that native 

birds are unable to enter. 

Sheds must be designed to minimise rodent 

entry and a baiting program must be 


supplementary plantings to minimise visual 

impacts of the development footprint. 

P5 

Driveways are located so as to minimise 

adverse impacts on external traffic networks 

and sensitive land uses. 

P6 

Sight distances to and from driveways are 

sufficient to ensure safe operation. 

P7 

Access points and driveways are designed 

and constructed to a standard appropriate for 

the design traffic type and volumes. 

P8 

The access and driveway must be designed 

to ensure that: 

ingress and egress for all vehicles is in a 

forward gear 

access gates are located so that service 

vehicles can be wholly located on site 

when accessing the premises. 

P9 

Any external lighting must be designed so as 

to not have an adverse impact on 

surrounding sensitive land uses. 

P10 

A reliable water and electricity supply is 

provided. 

implemented to control rodents. 

A5 

Retention of existing trees and other 

vegetation where practicable with provision 

of supplementary planting to ensure 

vegetated buffers are established and 

maintained between the meat chicken farm 

and sensitive land uses (refer to the 

vegetated buffer element design section of 

the Planning Guidelines: Separating 

Agricultural and Residential Land Uses 

1997). 

A6 

Driveways are located so that they do not 

interfere with the function of adjoining roads. 

A7 

Access points and roads are located to 

minimise noise impacts on neighbouring 

sensitive land uses. 

A8 

Sight distances at driveways must comply 

with the requirements of the relevant Local 

government or Department of Transport and 

Main Roads (TMR). 

A9 

The driveway and access points must be 

constructed to the standard required by the 

relevant local government or TMR. 

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 


standards 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. 


P1 

The design and operation of the meat 

chicken farm incorporates integrated water 

management elements so that: 

stormwater peak discharges and run-off 

volumes are not increased 

natural drainage lines and hydrological 

regimes are maintained as far as 

practicable. 

P2 

The environmental values and quality of the 

receiving waters within or downstream of the 

development are maintained. 

P3 

Stormwater must be prevented from entering 

all sheds and waste storage areas. 

Acceptable solution 

A1 

No acceptable solution. 

A2 

Locating the meat chicken farm complex 

(including sheds and waste storage areas) 

on land that is not subject to flooding by the 

100 year ARI event. 

A3 

Wash down water should be: 

collected and stored in a suitably sized 

effluent pond 

applied sustainably to utilisation areas. 

A4 

Nutrient, pathogen and contaminant levels 

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. 


A6 

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. 


5.0 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. 


P1 

Documentation must demonstrate that the 

environmental risks of the meat chicken farm 

development have been identified and 

appropriate design and management 

measures have been considered and will be 

implemented to minimise the risks and 

impacts to the environment. 


A1 

A site-specific EMP is developed by the farm 

owner/manager and implemented in 

accordance with the National Environmental 

Management System for the Meat Chicken 

Industry. The EMP must include: 

an assessment of environmental and 

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. 


5.2 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. 


P1 

Development and operation of the meat 

chicken farm must prevent or minimise 

emissions of odour, dust and air pollutants. 


A1 

Design and environmental management 

practices ensure that emissions from the 

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. 


P1 

Development and operation of the meat 

chicken farm must prevent or minimise noise 

emissions. 


A1 

Noise from the operation of the meat 

chicken farm does not cause unlawful 

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 


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. 


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 


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. 


P1 

The storage and handling of dangerous 

chemicals comply with the requirements of 

the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 

and the Workplace Health and Safety 

Regulation 2011 

P2 

Strategies are implemented that minimise 

risks from the storage and use of chemicals 

to human health and the environment. 


A1 

All agricultural chemicals used on meat 

chicken farms are registered by the 

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary 

Medicines Authority. 

A register of all dangerous goods and 

combustible liquids stored and handled on 

the farm must be kept and maintained. If 

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. 


5.2.4 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. 


P1 

The meat chicken farm must incorporate 

strategies for managing community liaison, 

with a focus on environmental performance. 

Acceptable outcome 

A1 

Communication strategies that include: 

Neighbours to be informed of unusual 

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. 


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 


P1 

Sheds stocking densities must be managed 

to ensure: 

the minimum standard of animal welfare 

is complied with and/or exceeded 

bird health and performance is not 

reduced. 

P2 

Bedding should be appropriate for use in 

meat chicken sheds. 

P3 

The moisture content of the shed litter must 

be managed to minimise odour, dust and 

ammonia emissions. 

Litter and manure beetles need to be 

controlled to avoid damage to insulation and 

wood structures and to reduce the risk of 

disease spread. 

P4 

Shed cleaning, sanitation and fumigation 

practices that: 

minimise the risk of disease transmission 

between batches 

minimise noise, dust and odour impact 

from shed cleaning on sensitive land 

uses. 

P5 

Sheds and equipment must be maintained 

and repaired to minimise odour, dust and 

noise emissions from the meat chicken farm. 


A1 

Sheds must be stocked at densities that 

comply with the Animal Care and Protection 

Regulation 2002. 

A2 

The material for bedding should: 

be dry, light and highly absorbent 

dry rapidly 

remain friable 

be free of contaminants such as heavy 

metals and preservatives 

be suitable for use as a soil conditioner 

or fertiliser 

be cost-effective. 

A3 

Litter moisture in the sheds should be 

maintained between 15 and 30 per cent 

moisture content (wet basis). 

Extra dry bedding material or dry litter 

should be added to areas of wet litter in the 

shed or the wet litter should be removed 

and replaced. 

Evenly distribute at least 45 mm of 

uncompacted bedding to sheds at the start 

of a batch. 

Waterers must be maintained and repaired 

to minimise leakage that will result in wet 

patches in the shed litter 

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. 


Where possible shed cleaning should be 

undertaken when the wind is blowing away 

from sensitive land uses. (Note: Side 

shutters and curtains and/or doors should be 

open when cleaning out sheds to avoid the 

build up of gases that may impact on the 

health and safety of workers). 

Shed cleaning must be undertaken so that 

impacts on sensitive land uses is avoided. 

A5 

Shed walls and roofs must be maintained 

and leaks repaired immediately to prevent 

wet patches in the litter. 

The ventilation system and evaporative 

cooling systems must be maintained to 

ensure air movement is at design level and 

the correct atmosphere (temperature and 

humidity) in the sheds. 

Water reticulation systems and drinkers 

must be maintained and leaks repaired 

immediately to prevent wet patches in the 

litter. 

5.2.6 Waste management 

Adequate waste management practices are critical to minimising the potential for significant odour 

impacts on sensitive land uses, contamination of surface and groundwater, and potential impacts 

on human health. Waste management on a meat chicken farm is concerned with: 

storage and disposal of spent litter 

on-site spent litter stockpiling and composting (where applicable) 

general wastewater from operation of the meat chicken farm 

collection, storage and disposal of dead birds 

sustainable utilisation of spent litter. 


P1 

Waste management must be conducted so 

that: 

unlawful environmental harm is not 

caused 

the off-site release of contaminants does 

not occur 

the quality of any surface water or 

groundwater is maintained. 

Acceptable outcome 

A1 

Spent litter is removed during daylight hours 

to minimise impacts (e.g. light, noise and 

odour). 

A2 

Spent litter is transported from the farm in 

enclosed vehicles to avoid spillage and 

emissions. 

A3 

Provision is made to contain any spillages of 

litter and clean spillages up promptly. 


A4 

Short-term spent litter stockpiles (less than a 

week) are: 

covered prior to permanent removal to 

avoid nutrient leaching from rainfall and 

to minimise dust and odour emissions 

 

 

stockpiled on an impermeable base 

bunded to prevent entry and 

contamination of stormwater run-off. 

A5 

Spent litter composting areas are: 

located in an area where the depth to 

the watertable exceeds 2 metres 

located on an impermeable base to 

avoid leaching of nutrients and possible 

groundwater contamination 

bunded to prevent entry and 

contamination of stormwater run-off 

well drained to avoid pooling of run-off 

set up so that run-off is collected in a 

wastewater collection system 

managed to avoid dust and odour 

emissions and reduce pathogens in the 

litter. Composting of spent litter should 

be complete in 6 to 8 weeks and 

another 4 weeks allowed for curing. For 

composting, the optimum moisture 

content is around 50 to 55 per cent wet 

basis. The optimum carbon to nitrogen 

ratio is between 15:1 and 30:1, and the 

optimum temperature is between 60 and 

65 degrees Celsius (refer to FSA 

Consulting – Meat Chicken Technical 

Environmental Note 3 Composting and 

Pasteurising Spent Litter). 

A6 

Site drainage from meat chicken sheds and 

composting areas must ensure that all 

contaminated run-off is directed to an 

appropriately sized effluent pond. 

A7 

Nutrient, pathogen and contaminant levels 

in stormwater discharged from the meat 

chicken farm must 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. 


A8 

Off-site bird disposal: 

Dead birds are collected, placed in an 

enclosed container, and taken off-site 

daily, or collected and stored at or below 

4 degrees Celsius until regular collection 

(dead birds are only to be removed from 

refrigeration and placed in bins on the 

morning of collection). 

Dead bird bins must be kept closed 

while awaiting collection. They should 

not be filled to overflowing. 

Dead bird bins must be animal and fly 

proof. 

Bins should not be located adjacent to, 

or in full view of, public roads while 

awaiting collection 

A9 

Composting of dead birds (only where 

permitted): 

The compost facility is located in an 

area where the depth to the watertable 

exceeds 2 metres. 

The compost facility must be located on 

an impermeable base to avoid leaching 

of nutrients and possible groundwater 

contamination. 

Compost facilities should be well 

drained to avoid pooling of run-off. 

Compost facilities should be bunded to 

prevent entry and contamination of 

stormwater run-off. 

In areas of high rainfall the compost 

facility should be covered to prevent 

ingress of stormwater. 

Run-off from compost facilities must be 

collected in a wastewater collection 

system. 

Carcass compost facilities need to be 

managed to promote carcass decay, 

minimise dust and odour emissions and 

reduce pathogens: 

- A co-composting material should be 

used to add carbon and should have 

a sufficiently dry moisture content 

(

- The optimum moisture content for 

carcass composting is around 50 per 

cent. 

- Carcasses should be composted for 

between 4 and 6 weeks (refer to FSA 

Consulting – Meat Chicken Technical 

Environmental Note 5 Composting 

Carcasses in Open Bays and Piles). 

A10 

Spent litter must be applied to sufficient 

areas of land so that nutrient applications do 

not exceed: 

the rate at which a nutrient can be taken 

up by the plant and removed from the 

site 

the amount that can be safely stored in 

the soil 

the amount released to the atmosphere 

in an acceptable form. 

Note: Information relating to the utilisation of 

chicken litter can be found at: 

http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/27_15557.htm 

A11 

Spent litter should be applied when crops 

are actively growing or just after planting to 

ensure nutrient uptake and to minimise 

nutrient losses by leaching. 

Spent litter applied to bare soil should be 

incorporated as soon as possible after 

spreading. 

A12 

Avoid spreading spent litter on land that is: 

immediately adjacent to a watercourse 

(minimum 50 m buffer should be 

maintained) 

located within 250 m of tidal waters or a 

wetland 

subject to frequent flooding 

steep (greater than 10 per cent slope) 

rocky or highly erodible 

highly impermeable. 

A13 

Avoid spreading spent litter when it is 

excessively dry or wet to minimise dust and 



Where possible spreading of spent litter 

should be undertaken when the wind is 

blowing away from sensitive land uses. 

5.2.7 Farm biosecurity 

Biosecurity is the protection of the economy, the environment, human health and social amenity 

from the negative impacts of pests, diseases and contaminants (Queensland Biosecurity Strategy, 

BQ). 

Biosecurity is about managing risk to meet biosecurity objectives. It is essential that a risk 

assessment be conducted for each farming enterprise to establish what level of risk exists in each 

phase of its operations and introduce measures appropriate to these levels. 

Biosecurity and quarantine are integral parts of any successful poultry production system. 

Biosecurity refers to those measures taken to prevent or control the introduction and spread of 

infectious agents to a flock. Such infectious agents, whether they cause clinical or subclinical 

disease, significantly reduce the productivity, profitability and long-term financial viability of a 

poultry operation (National Farm Biosecurity Manual – Poultry Production 2009). 

The National Farm Biosecurity Manual for Chicken Growers, published by the Australian Chicken 

Meat Federation (2010) establishes standards for all aspects of meat chicken production. It was 

developed from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry National Farm Biosecurity 

Manual – Poultry Production (2009) and identifies areas of risk common to most meat chicken 

farms, and appropriate measures to minimise these risks. 

Disease outbreaks can significantly affect meat chicken farms and the meat chicken industry 

through substantial loss of income and can create significant environmental problems through the 

need for disposal of large numbers of birds. The risk of disease transmission within the industry 

can be reduced through appropriate farm location and management. 

It is important to recognise that poultry are routinely subject to a number of respiratory viral 

diseases that only infect birds. These viruses are not capable of infecting humans and are not a 

public health concern. These agents are indeed highly infectious for poultry and it is the airborne 

spread of these agents from chicken to chicken that dictates the farm biosecurity guidelines for 

distances between poultry operations. 


P1 

The operation of the meat chicken farm must 

implement and maintain biosecurity 

measures that: 

prevent the introduction of infectious 

disease agents to a meat chicken farm 

prevent the spread of disease agents 

from an infected area to an uninfected 

area 

minimise the incidence and spread of 

microorganisms of public health 

significance. 


A1 

Biosecurity policies are designed and 

implemented to ensure: 

meat chicken farms are separated from 

one another to minimise the risk of 

disease transfer between farms. The 

following separation distances should be 

maintained: 

- 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 


- 5000 metres between a meat 

chicken farm complex and a meat 

chicken breeder farm 

meat chicken farms have a perimeter 

fence or otherwise well defined 

boundary that establishes a clearly 

defined biosecurity zone 

surface water used for meat chicken 

drinking water or cooling water in sheds 

must be treated in accordance with the 

requirements of the National Water 

Biosecurity Manual Poultry Production 

persons entering a meat chicken farm 

strictly follow the biosecurity protocols to 

avoid cross contamination 

trucks collecting dead birds, picking up 

birds for processing and delivering feed 

strictly follow farm biosecurity protocols 

to avoid contamination on-farm 

an area is made available for vehicles to 

be washed and disinfected before and 

after entering the meat chicken farm 

complex (production area) 

grazing livestock and other domestic 

animals do not have access to the 

production area at any time 

rodents and feral animals on the farm 

are controlled 

contact between the flock and native 

animals and/or wild birds is prevented 

compost facilities are located away from 

sheds and boundary fences 

composting areas are kept neat and 

clean at all times to keep away rodents, 

cats, dogs, feral animals, scavenging 

birds and flies 

shed openings are to remain closed or 

screened at all times when the sheds 

contain birds, other than for the purpose 

of facilitating access or egress. 


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http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtR08.pdf 

Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtWaMP00.pdf 

Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008 

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Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtAirPo08.pdf 

Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 

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Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of Poultry Farms in South Australia, State 

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Guidelines for Assessment of Road Impacts of Development 

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Interim Guide to Road Planning and Design Practice 

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Marine Parks Act 2004 

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Marine Parks Regulation 2006 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/M/MarinePR06.pdf 

McGahan, E and Tucker, R, 2002, Meat Chicken Technical Environmental Note 1, Litter clean-out. 

FSA Environmental – http://fsaconsulting.net/pdfs/Note%201-Litter%20Clean-out%20V2.pdf 

McGahan, E and Tucker, R, 2002, Meat Chicken Technical Environmental Note 3, Composting 

and Pasteurising Spent Litter. FSA Environmental – 

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McGahan, E and Tucker, R, 2002, Meat Chicken Technical Environmental Note 5, Composting 

Carcasses in Open Bays and Piles. FSA Environmental 

http://www.fsaconsulting.net/pdfs/Note%205- 

Composting%20Chicken%20Carcasses%20V2.pdf 

Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals Domestic Poultry 4 th Edition SCARM Report 83, 

2002, CSIRO Publishing 

http://www.publish.csiro.au/Books/download.cfm?ID=3451 

Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals Land Transport of Poultry 2 nd Edition PISC 

Report 91, CSIRO Publishing 

http://www.publish.csiro.au/Books/download.cfm?ID=5391 

National Biosecurity Manual – Contract Meat Chicken Farming, 2003, Australian Chicken Meat 

Federation Inc 

http://www.chicken.org.au/files/_system/Document/biosecuritychickenfarming.pdf#14 

National Environmental Management System for the Meat Chicken Industry, Rural Industries 

Research and Development Corporation, 2003 


National Farm Biosecurity Manual for Chicken Growers, 2010, Australian Chicken Meat Federation 

Inc 

http://www.chicken.org.au/files/_system/Document/Biosecurity/National%20Farm%20Biosecuri 

ty%20Manual%20for%20Chicken%20Growers%20-%20April%202009%20- 

%20Version%20090423.pdf 

National Farm Biosecurity Manual – Poultry Production, 2009, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries 

and Forestry, 

http://www.chicken.org.au/files/_system/Document/Biosecurity/DAFF%20AHA%20poultrybiosecurity-manual.pdf 

National Water Biosecurity Manual – Poultry Production, 2009, Commonwealth of Australia 

http://www.aitoolkit.org/site/DefaultSite/filesystem/documents/FINAL%20Water%20Biosecurity 

_FOR%20WEB.pdf 

Nature Conservation Act 1992 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConA92.pdf 

Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConKP06.pdf 

Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConAdR06.pdf 


Nature Conservation (Forest Reserves) Regulation 2000 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConFRR00.pdf 

Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConPdAR06.pdf 

Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Regulation 1994 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConPdAR94.pdf 

NSW Meat Chicken Farming Guidelines – Managing planning, development and environmental 

issues, NSW Agriculture, 2004 

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/251182/nsw-meat-chicken-farmingguidelines.pdf 

PAE Holmes, 2011. Review of Air Quality Assessment Issues for Poultry Operations in 

Queensland. 

PAE Holmes, 2011. Best Practice Guidance for the Queensland Poultry Industry – Plume 

Dispersion Modelling and Meteorological Processing 

Pest Management Act 2001 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/P/PestManA01.pdf 

Pest Management Regulation 2003 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/P/PestManR03.pdf 

Planning Guidelines: Separating Agricultural and Residential Land Uses 1997 

http://dlgp.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/plng-guide-sep-ag.pdf 

Planning Guidelines: The Identification of Good Quality Agricultural Land 1993 

http://dlgp.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/plng-guide-identif-ag-land.pdf 

Queensland Coastal Plan 

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/coastalplan/pdf/qcp-web.pdf 

Queensland Heritage Act 1992 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/Q/QldHeritageA92.pdf 

Queensland Heritage Regulation 2003 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/Q/QldHeritageR03.pdf 

Queensland Planning Provisions 4 October 2010, version 2.0 

http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/state-planning/qpp-2.0.pdf 

South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 

http://dlgp.qld.gov.au/resources/plan/seq/regional-plan-2009/seq-regional-plan-2009.pdf 

Seqwater Development Guidelines -Development Guidelines for Water Quality Management in 

Drinking Water Catchments 

http://www.seqwater.com.au/public/sites/default/files/userfiles/file/pdfs/31365%20SEQWater%2 

0Development%20Guidelines%20July2010%20vF_0.pdf 

State Planning Policy 1/03 Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide 

http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/publications/spp/pdf/spp.pdf 

State Planning Policy 1/12 Protection of Queensland’s strategic cropping land 

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/land/planning/pdf/strategic-cropping/planning-policy-croppingland.pdf 

State Planning Policy 1/92 Development and the Conservation of Agricultural Land 1992 

http://dlgp.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/spp1-92.pdf 

State Planning Policy 2/02 Planning and Managing Development Involving Acid Sulphate Soils 

http://www.dlgp.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/ass-spp-oct-02.pdf 

State Planning Policy 2/10 Koala Conservation in South East Queensland 

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlifeecosystems/wildlife/koalas/koala_crisis_response_strategy/documents/koala-spp.pdf 

State Planning Policy 3/11 Coastal Protection 

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/coastalplan/pdf/spp-guideline.pdf 

State Planning Policy 5/10 Air, Noise and Hazardous Materials 2010 

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/noise/documents/air-noise-hazardpolicy.pdf 


Strategic Cropping Land Act 2011 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/ACTS/2011/11AC047.pdf 

Strategic Cropping Land Regulation 2011 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/SLS/2011/11SL307.pdf 

Strategy for the conservation and management of Queensland’s wetlands 

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/register/p00565aa.pdf 

Sustainable Planning Act 2009 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/S/SustPlanA09.pdf 

Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/S/SustPlanR09.pdf 

Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/T/TorresStIsCuA03.pdf 

Vegetation Management Act 1999 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/V/VegetManA99.pdf 

Vegetation Management Regulation 2000 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/V/VegetManR00.pdf 

Victorian Code for Broiler Farms, State Government of Victoria, 2001 

http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/CA256F310024B628/0/C40E10EC0B092ED5CA2572E40014501E/$ 

File/Broiler+Code++-+Final+Report+Vol+2.pdf 

Victorian Code for Broiler Farms, State Government of Victoria, 2009a 

http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/animals-and-livestock/poultry/code-broiler-farms/broilercode-part-1 

http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/36052/Broiler-Code-Chapters-6-7.pdf 

http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/36060/Broiler-Code-Chapters-8-End.pdf 

Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkHSA11.pdf 

Workplace Health and Safety (Codes of Practice) Notice 2005 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkplHSaCPN05.pdf 

Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2011 

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkHSR11.pdf 


Definitions 

Advice agencies – Defined in the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 as an entity prescribed under a 

regulation as an advice agency for the application, or if the functions of the entity in relation to the 

application have been devolved or delegated to another entity - the other entity. 

Assessment manager – The agency responsible for deciding if a planning application has been 

properly made, issuing acknowledgment notices, determining the referral agencies that require 

input into the application assessment and determining whether the application is successful 

through an assessment of the environmental impact of proposals against the provisions of the EP 

Act and relevant industry guidelines. 

AUSPLUME – EPA Victoria regulatory Gaussian dispersion model. 

Best Practice Environmental Management (BPEM) – The underlining philosophy of BPEM is the 

adoption of management practices that reflect the best information and technologies presently 

available. The best management practices continually change as new information and research 

demonstrates improved methods. Hence, BPEM encourages continual improvement. 

Buffer zone – The distance between the meat chicken farm complex and relevant features and/or 

the distance between the utilisation area and relevant features (refer Appendix 1). 

Bund – Watertight wall designed to prevent liquid escaping or entering as a result of seepage or 

leaks. 

CALPUFF – Air quality dispersion model (American). 

Centroid – A centroid is a point 25 m out from the exhaust end of a tunnel ventilated meat chicken 

shed, assuming that 90 per cent or more of the total emissions from the shed are discharged by 

fans and the shed is operated only as a fan-forced tunnel shed. Each shed will have its own 

centroid for the purposes of calculating separation and buffer zone distances. Where it cannot be 

demonstrated that 90 per cent of the emissions will be discharged from fans in sheds operated as 

fan-forced tunnel sheds, the centroid concept is not applicable. 

Community amenity – A fact or condition being agreeable to the community. 

Concurrence agencies – Defined in the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 as an entity prescribed 

under a regulation as a concurrence agency for the application, or if the functions of the entity in 

relation to the application have been devolved or delegated to another entity - the other entity. 

Contaminant – Defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as: 

a gas, liquid or solid 

an odour 

an organism (whether alive or dead), including a virus 

energy, including noise, heat, radioactivity and electromagnetic radiation 

a combination of contaminants. 

Contamination – Defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as the release (whether by act 

or omission) of a contaminant into the environment. 

Controlled drainage area – An area that collects contaminated stormwater run-off and excludes 

clean rainfall run-off. 


Daytime – The period between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm. 

Development approval – An approval required to expand or develop a new poultry farm under the 

Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and IDAS system. 

Dispersion modelling – Computer-based software modelling used to mathematically simulate 

plume dispersion under varying atmospheric conditions. It is used to calculate special and temporal 

fields of concentrations and particle deposition due to emissions from various source types. 

Environmental harm – Defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as any adverse effect, 

or potential adverse effect (whether temporary or permanent and of whatever magnitude, duration 

or frequency) on an environmental value, including environmental nuisance. 

Environmental nuisance – Defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as unreasonable 

interference or likely interference with an environmental value caused by: 

aerosols, fumes, light, noise, odour, particles or smoke 

an unhealthy, offensive or unsightly condition because of contamination 

other ways prescribed by regulation. 

Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA) – An activity prescribed in regulation if: 

a contaminant will or may be released into the environment when the activity is carried out 

release of the contaminant will or may cause environmental harm. 

Environmental value – Defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as: 

a quality or physical characteristic of the environment that is conducive to ecological health or 

public amenity or safety 

other quality of the environment identified and declared to be an environmental value under an 

environmental protection policy or regulation. 

Evening – The period between 6.00 pm and 10.00 pm. 

Friable – A material that crumbles easily. 

General environmental duty – Defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as, a person 

must not carry out any activity that causes, or is likely to cause, environmental harm unless the 

person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise the harm (the 

general environmental duty). 

Grower – Farmer who provides shedding and the care of birds from when they arrive on the farm 

until they are removed for processing. 

Groundwater – All water below the land surface that is free to move under the influence of gravity. 

IDAS – The Integrated Development Application System. 

Integrator – Company that owns birds and provides food and technical advice for the grower to 

grow-out birds until they are picked up for processing. 

Local government – The council for the area in which the existing or proposed poultry farm is 

located. 

Major water supply storage – Any public water supply storage, lake, lagoon, marsh or swamp. 


Material change of use – Defined in the Operational Policy as a 'material change in intensity or 

scale for an environmentally relevant activity (ERA)' (Environmental Protection Agency, 2004a). 

There needs to be a change in the intensity or scale and the change needs to be a material one. 

Meat chicken farm complex – Includes the sheds used to produce meat chickens and associated 

infrastructure (e.g. silos) and any nearby spent litter/compost stockpiles. It excludes any spent litter 

utilisation areas. For tunnel-ventilated sheds it includes a distance of 25 m out from the exhaust 

end of the sheds. 

Must – Refers to a requirement that needs to be complied with to meet relevant legislation, 

including acts, policies or regulations. 

Non-rural zone – Land that is not zoned as the rural zone in local government planning schemes. 

Night-time – The period between 10.00 pm and 7.00 am. 

Odour units (OU) – Concentration of odorous mixtures measured in odour units. The number of 

odour units is the concentration of a sample divided by the odour threshold or the number of 

dilutions required for the sample to reach the threshold. This threshold is the numerical value at 

which 50 per cent of a testing panel correctly detect an odour. 

Olfactometry – A procedure where a selected and controlled panel of up to eight screened and 

trained panelists are exposed to a series of diluted odour samples in a controlled sequence. The 

odour concentration results are analysed using standard methods to determine the point at which 

half the panel can detect the odour. 

Pathogens - Organisms that can cause infections or disease, such as a bacterium, viruses, fungi 

or protozoa. 

Poultry Farming (ERA 4) - Farming a total of more than 1000 birds for: 

producing eggs or fertile eggs 

rearing hatchlings, starter pullets or layers 

rearing birds for meat: 

- chickens 

- ducks 

- geese 

- guineafowl 

- turkeys. 

Pollution – Direct or indirect alteration of the environment causing contamination or degradation. 

Prescribed ventilated shed – A shed that is fitted with a mechanical ventilation system, is not 

tunnel ventilated and has a water-based cooling system or stirring fans. 

Referral agencies – Defined in the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 as an advice agency or a 

concurrence agency. 

Riparian land – Any land that adjoins or directly influences a body of water. It includes the land 

immediately beside creeks and rivers (including the bank), gullies that sometimes run with water, 

areas surrounding lakes and wetlands and river floodplains that interact with the river during flood 

times. 


Rural zone – Land zoned as the rural zone in local government planning schemes to: 

provide for a wide range of rural uses including cropping, intensive horticulture, 

intensive animal industries, animal husbandry, animal keeping and other 

primary production activities; 

provide opportunities for non-rural uses that are compatible with agriculture, the 

environment, and the landscape character of the rural area where they do not 

compromise the long-term use of the land for rural purposes; 

protect or manage significant natural features, resources, and processes, 

including the capacity for primary production. 

Sensitive land use – Means each of the following defined uses: child care centre, community care 

centre, community residence, dual occupancy, dwelling house, educational establishment, health 

care services, hospital, hostel, multiple dwelling, office, relocatable home park, residential care 

facility, retirement facility, short-term accommodation, tourist park. Note—definition from SPP 5/10 

Separation distance – The separation distance is the shortest distance measured from the 

centroid of the meat chicken shed to the nearest point of a sensitive land use in a rural zone or to 

the closest boundary of the non-rural zone. 

Surface water - Surface water includes dams, impoundments, lakes, wetlands, swamps, tidal 

waters and all watercourses where rainfall is likely to collect. 

TAPM – Air pollution model (CSIRO). 

Temperature inversion – A temperature inversion is said to occur when the air temperature 

increases with height above ground level. A surface inversion is commonly experienced in hollows 

and valleys, especially in winter on calm, clear nights when radiation has caused considerable 

cooling and air has sunk to form a pool of cold air, while the air is warmer on the mountain slopes 

above. It is also usual in fairly level areas in temperate latitudes for a temperature inversion to 

develop above the surface at night, when there has been clear sky and light wind for some time. In 

winter the inversion may reach a considerable height and may persist for several days, resulting in 

fog formation and often trapping pollution. 

Third party advice agencies – Agencies consulted by the assessment manager to assist in 

assessing and deciding on the merits of a planning application. Although not formally recognised in 

legislation, they can provide non-binding advice to the assessment manager to assist in 

understanding issues and in decision making. 

Topography – The shape of the ground surface as depicted by the presence of hills, mountains or 

plains i.e. a detailed description or representation of the features, both natural and artificial, of an 

area, such as are required for a topographic map. 

Watercourse – A watercourse is a river, creek or other stream, including a stream in the form of 

an anabranch or a tributary, in which water flows permanently or intermittently, regardless of the 

frequency of flow events - in a natural channel, whether artificially modified or not; or in an artificial 

channel that has changed the course of the stream (refer to the Water Act 2000). 


Appendices 

Appendix 1 – Fixed buffer distances 

This appendix indicates minimum fixed buffer distances that meat chicken farm complex and waste 

utilisation areas should be from surface water and other features. 

Fixed buffer distances are included largely to permit a simple, conservative evaluation of required 

buffer distances. Both site-specific separation distances to sensitive land uses and fixed buffer 

distances should be complied with. 

One way to achieve separation and buffer distances for new meat chicken farms is to ensure that 

development occurs on an appropriately sized block or parcel of land. It is suggested that a 

minimum area of 100 hectares located in a rural zone would be needed, if the fixed buffer and 

separation distances are to be achieved. 

Fixed buffers allow the development of vegetation strips that provide visual separation from other 

land uses which can potentially improve amenity. It is suggested that where land for new 

development does not have significant vegetative areas that the planting and ongoing maintenance 

of vegetation strips should be considered. 

The local council should be contacted to determine the fixed buffer distances, or methods for their 

calculation, applicable to the local government area. 

The Queensland Planning Provisions (QPP) are the standard planning provisions made by the 

Planning Minister. The QPP provide a consistent form for planning schemes across Queensland 

through standardised structure, format, land use and administrative definitions, zones, levels of 

assessment, overlays, infrastructure planning provisions, development assessment codes and 

other administrative matters. The QPP identify land uses that may be attached to particular zones. 

Broadly it is appropriate that intensive animal industries, as a rural activity, occur in a rural zone. 

Where intensive animal industry activities occur in proximity to a non-rural zone, where it is more 

likely that the cluster of activities in that zone are non-agricultural in nature, then it is reasonable 

that there be greater separation between the activities in different zones. 

Fixed buffer distances required for a meat chicken farm complex and waste utilisation areas from 

surface water and water supply storage are shown in Table 1. 


Table 1 – Buffer distances from meat chicken farm complexes and waste utilisation areas to 

surface water and water supply storage (based on Seqwater Development Guidelines) 

Feature 

Separation 

distance 

(m) 

Surveyed 

bank of an 

intermittent 

water 

course 

Surveyed 

bank of a 

permanent 

water 

course 

Water 

supply 

well, 

bore 

and/or 

dam 

Upper 

flood 

margin 

level of 

an urban 

water 

supply 

storage 

Wetlands 

and tidal 

waters 

50 100 250 800 250 100 

Other 

surface 

waters (not 

covered by 

the other 

categories) 

Fixed buffer distances required for a meat chicken farm complex from its property boundary and 

public roads are shown in Table 2. 

Table 2 – Buffer distances from meat chicken farm complexes to relevant features 

Feature 

Distance (m) 

Non-rural zone (closest boundary) 300 

Property boundary (within a rural zone) * 100 

Public road – carrying > 50 vehicles per day 200 

Public road – carrying < 50 vehicles per day 100 

Notes: 

1. The measuring point for a public road should be the surveyed boundaries of the road on the same side of the road 

as the meat chicken farm operation. 

2. Traffic volume excludes vehicles associated with the meat chicken farm. 

3. These are fixed buffer distances. 

* The fixed buffer distance to the property boundary applies to new meat chicken farm developments and not 

to the expansion of existing meat chicken farms that have previously been approved with a lesser distance to 

the property boundary. This fixed buffer distance to the property boundary has been included so that there is 

sufficient distance between the meat chicken farm complex and the property boundary for the establishment 

of vegetative buffers. 

Fixed buffer distances required for spent litter utilisation areas from property boundaries and public 

roads are shown in Table 3, depending on the type of utilisation system employed. Spent litter 

utilisation areas are not included as part of the meat chicken farm complex because of the often 

infrequent application of the spent litter and the diverse spread of application areas on a farm. 

These distances are in addition to separation distances for the meat chicken farm complex and are 

determined separately. The following categories describe the utilisation method employed, with the 

specified buffer distances for each category listed in Table 3. 

Category 1: 

Category 2: 

Spent litter that is spread immediately (i.e. not stockpiled/composted) and remains on the 

soil surface for more than 24 hours (i.e. not immediately ploughed in). 

Mechanical spreaders are used. The spread material remains on the soil surface for less 

than 24 hours. Spent litter has been stockpiled prior to spreading. 


Category 3: 

Spent litter that has been composted. Spent litter applied in combination with immediate 

incorporation of material into the soil and not exceeding the nutrient (N, P and K) 

requirements of the crop grown. 

Where more than one category of utilisation is used the more (or most) stringent category controls 

will apply. 

Table 3 – Buffer distances surrounding spent litter utilisation areas 

Distances (m) 

Category No. 

1 2 3 

Non-rural zone (closest boundary) 300 150 75 

Property boundary (within a rural zone) 25 15 10 

Public road – carrying > 50 vehicles per day 50 25 10 

Public road – carrying < 50 vehicles per day 25 15 0 

Notes: 

1. Distances should be measured from the perimeter of the area used for applying spent litter. 

2. The fixed buffer distances surrounding spent litter utilisation areas are to be used as a guide. Dispensation may be 

obtained for these distances following site specific assessment from the local government. 

3. Traffic volume excludes vehicles associated with the meat chicken farm operation. 


Appendix 2 – Calculating separation distances 

A 2.1 

Introduction 

Separation distances between meat chicken farms (with tunnel-ventilated sheds) and sensitive 

land uses can be calculated using two general approaches. These approaches, the S-factor 

formula approach and plume dispersion modelling for meat chicken farms are discussed in this 

appendix. 

The approaches and matters for consideration outlined below are based on work undertaken in 

2011 by odour modelling consultants PAE Holmes on behalf of the Queensland Government. 

The S-factor formula approach is only applicable to farms with a maximum of 300 000 birds. For 

farms with more than 300 000 birds detailed plume dispersion modelling should be undertaken. 

Plume dispersion modelling can also be used for meat chicken farms with less than 300 000 birds, 

if available separation distances are less than required by the S-factor methodology. When 

considering a new development or expansion of an existing meat chicken farm, the S-factor 

formula approach can be used to obtain an indication if the available separation distances would 

be suitable for the proposed development. 

While the minimum buffer distances and minimum land area for a new meat chicken farm provide a 

simple evaluation of buffers, a site-specific assessment of separation distances between meat 

chicken farms and sensitive land uses must also be undertaken. This site-specific assessment 

includes both the calculated separation distances to sensitive land uses and the fixed buffer 

distances. 

The local government should be contacted to determine the fixed buffer distances, or methods for 

their calculation, applicable in a particular local government area. 

Sites that have multiple separate meat chicken farm units on the one property should apply the 

separation formula to the combined units and for each sensitive land use apply the separation 

distances and buffer zones from the closest farm odour centroid. Guidance should be obtained 

from the local government authority to apply the calculations individually to separate units on the 

same property. 

A 2.2 

Concepts in calculating separation distances 

Optimum separation distances between a meat chicken farm and sensitive land uses depend on a 

number of factors. These include the type of sensitive land use, topographical features (terrain), 

vegetation and surface roughness between the farm and sensitive land uses, and the size of the 

meat chicken farm. 

Separation distance refers to the shortest distance measured from the centroid (see definition of 

‘centroid’) of the meat chicken shed to the nearest wall of a sensitive land use in a rural zone or to 

the closest boundary of the non-rural zone. 

Odour has been identified as the principal community amenity concern for meat chicken farms. 

Hence the focus of separation distance requirements is the limiting of the potential for nuisance 

odours. 


Separation distances for the meat chicken farm complex are measured from the centroid of the 

odour source, which is not necessarily the centre of the sheds. For tunnel-ventilated sheds the 

measuring point is taken to be 25 m out from the exhaust end of each shed. 

Centroid 

25 m 

Both the site-specific separation distances and the fixed buffer distances to other features must be 

complied with. 

A 2.3 

S-factor formula for calculating separation distances 

The separation distance formula only applies to farms with a maximum of 300 000 birds. For farms 

larger than this, refer to Section 2.6. For farms with more than 300 000 birds, the formula is 

unreliable for several reasons: more complex layout, larger spread of sheds around the site and 

the increased distance of odour plume travel, which can begin to create more complex plume 

patterns. The formula is designed to be used for simple farm layouts where a ‘centroid’ can be 

easily identified and sheds are not located hundreds of metres from the centroid. 

The separation distance provided between a meat chicken farm and sensitive land uses depends 

upon a number of factors, including: 

size – defined as the number of birds in the complex 

meat chicken farm design and management, which for the purpose of the formula approach is 

assumed to comply with current best practice 

meat chicken farm site, considering: 

- proximity to a sensitive land use (within a rural zone) 

- proximity to a non-rural zone 

- topographic setting and features (hills, undulating valleys, etc.) between the meat chicken 

farm and the receptor 

- vegetation/surface roughness between the meat chicken farm and the receptor 

- terrain effects around the site, particularly on meteorology of the area. 

Site-specific separation distances are based on the dispersion of odours from their source. 

Different air quality objectives were chosen depending on whether the distance is to be calculated 

to a sensitive land use in a rural zone or to a non-rural zone. 


Calculation of separation distances for each sensitive land use within a rural zone and the closest 

boundary of the non-rural zone is as follows: 

Separation distance (D) = N 0.63 xS1xS2xS3 

N – Maximum number of birds (to be housed on the farm at any one time) divided by 1000. 

0.63 – Exponent determined using the results of modelling. 

S1 – Sensitive land use factor for estimating the relative odour impact potential of a development. 

S2 – Surface roughness factor for estimating the potential changes to odour dispersion due to changes in 

the land surface. 

S3 – Terrain weighting factor for estimating the potential changes to odour dispersion in situations where 

meteorological conditions may be influenced by local terrain influences. 

Note: The separation distance formula only applies to farms up to 300 000 birds. 

The S-factors to be used with this formula are presented in Table 1. 

The available separation distances between the meat chicken farm and sensitive land uses are 

generally the key factors limiting the number of birds that can be accommodated on a particular 

site. Separation distances require assessment in all directions to ensure that the potential for 

unacceptable odour nuisance is minimised. Where other significant odour sources are located in 

proximity to the proposed meat chicken farm, the cumulative odour impact from both sites may 

require consideration. 

Table 1 – Summary of S-factors for use with Level 1 calculations 

Factor description 

Value 

S1 – Sensitive land use factor 

Receptor type 

Sensitive land use (within a rural zone) 30 

Non-rural zone (closest boundary of the non-rural zone) 50 

S2 – Surface roughness factor 

Surface roughness features 

Limited ground cover/short grass 1.00 

Undulating hills 0.93 

Level wooded country 0.85 

Heavy timber 0.77 

Significant hills and valleys 0.68 

S3 – Terrain weighting factor 

Terrain 

Weighting factor 

Downslope of site Upslope of site 

Flat 1.0 1.0 


Valley drainage zone – 

1.2 1.0 

(Broad valley >10 km and/or a valley or gully with low 

side walls, where the average slope from centre of 

valley/gully to confining ridgeline is 5%) 

Low relief at >2% from farm site 

1.2 - 

(Not in a valley drainage zone, but the source lies 

above the receptor at an average grade of more than 

2%) 

All other situations 1.0 1.0 

Notes: 

S1 – Sensitive land use factor – refer to Section 2.3.2 for determination of the appropriate factor. 

S2 – Surface roughness factor - refer to Section 2.3.3 to enable calculation of an appropriate factor. 

S3 – Terrain weighting factor - refer to Section 2.3.4 to enable calculation of an appropriate factor. 

The minimum reduction factor allowed for surface roughness and terrain weighting (S2 X S3) is 0.68. 

A 2.3.1 

Farm size 

N refers to the maximum number of birds (divided by 1000) to be housed on the farm at any one 

time. 

A 2.3.2 

Sensitive land use factor S1 

The sensitive land use factors presented in Table 2 account for the variation in odour sensitivity 

and risk of exposure of residents neighbouring a meat chicken farm. The meat chicken farm 

sensitive land use factor will require calculation for all relevant sensitive land uses and may be 

different for each one. 

Table 2 – Values of sensitive land use type S1 

Sensitive land use 

Factor 

Sensitive land use (within a rural zone) 30 

Non-rural zone (closest boundary of the non-rural zone) 50 

Notes: 

1. The definitions in Table 2 should be based on local government land use zoning as stated in planning schemes and 

associated maps and the relevant regional plan. 

2. When determining the location of the sensitive land uses, land zoning and pending development applications 

lodged, but not yet under construction should be taken into account. The local government can provide this 

information. 

3. Public areas such as camping grounds or picnic areas should be considered as part of the assessment. The 

frequency of use and the time of day the area is occupied provide guidance to the level of protection required. For 

example, day-use only areas are a substantially lower risk for odour impact than areas frequently used at night. 


A 2.3.3 

Surface roughness factor S2 

The surface roughness factor varies according to the roughness of the land surface between the 

meat chicken farm and the relevant feature (closest sensitive land use). The principal elements that 

determine surface roughness are vegetation density and surface topography. Recommended values 

of surface roughness are provided in Table 3. The values presented in this table are not to be 

summed (i.e. only the value for the single category which best represents the site conditions should 

be selected). 

The roughness factors given in Table 3 assume that the selected roughness is continuous between 

the meat chicken farm and the sensitive land use. Where roughness is variable or non-continuous, 

judgement should be used in selecting an appropriate composite factor. 

The values in Table 3 should be used with care, and a number of qualifications apply to their use. For 

sensitive land uses located at larger distances, multiple surface roughness factors may apply over 

different sections of the separation distance. In this instance, the surface roughness factor applied 

should be selected after considering the relative weighting of the different factors. When selecting 

factors based on the presence of vegetation, some consideration should be given to the potential for 

the vegetation to be cleared during the life of the meat chicken farm. For example, off-site vegetation 

is beyond the control of the meat chicken farm but may be regarded as permanent depending on the 

owner of the land (e.g. national park/state forest where no timber harvesting is undertaken). 

Table 3 – Values of surface roughness factor S2 

Surface roughness features Notes Factor 

Cropland or grass, few trees 1 1.00 

Undulating hills 2 0.93 

Level wooded country 3 0.85 

Heavy timber 4 0.77 

Significant hills and valleys 5 0.68 

Notes: 

1. Open country with few or scattered trees. Topography would be predominantly flat to slightly undulating. 

2. Situations where topography consists of continuous rolling, generally low level hills and valleys, but without sharply 

defined ranges, ridges or escarpments (assumes minimal vegetation). 

3. Open forest country with tree density not sufficient to provide a continuous canopy but sufficiently dense to influence air 

movement. There would be little or no lower storey vegetation. The density is such that the vegetation can be considered 

as a continuous belt. 

4. Generally tall forests with dense timber stands, providing a continuous canopy. There is limited understorey vegetation 

mainly associated with regrowth. 

5. Situations where one or more lines of hills sufficiently large enough to influence air movement exist between the relevant 

feature and the meat chicken farm. 

A 2.3.4 

Terrain weighting factor S3 

The terrain weighting factor (S3) relates to the potential for an odour plume to be exaggerated in 

particular directions depending on local topography. A variety of terrain weighting factors have 

been developed in recent years, based on both modelling (e.g. Pacific Air & Environment (2003c)) 

and more subjective judgement. Work conducted by PAE Holmes as background to this version of 

the formula used more refined model inputs than in past work. The results, taken with other work, 


showed that it is not feasible to define a set of weighting factors covering highly detailed terrain 

types, since the relationship between regional wind patterns and local terrain is highly variable and 

not able to be classified beyond a fairly basic level. 

The factors are shown in Table 4, along with the direction in which each factor should be applied. 

The slope referred to is determined by the topographical features of each site. 

Table 4 – Values of terrain weighting factor S3 

Weighting factor 

Terrain 

Downslope Upslope 

Flat 1.0 1.0 

Valley drainage zone – 

1.2 1.0 

(Broad valley >10 km and/or a valley or gully 

with low side walls, where the average slope 

from centre of valley/gully to confining ridgeline 

is 5%) 

Low relief at >2% from farm site 

1.2 - 

(Not in a valley drainage zone, but the source 

lies above the receptor at an average grade of 

more than 2%) 

All other situations 1.0 1.0 

Notes: 

1. These factors may not apply where: 

a) sea-breezes are a significant influence on weather patterns (i.e. in coastal regions) 

b) odour is emitted from elevated vent sources (If sheds are fitted with elevated vents proceed to Section 2.6 

Plume dispersion modelling). 

2. These terrain weighting factors should be applied: 

a) by checking the location of the meat chicken farm in relation to the topography 

b) for the range of distances applicable to meat chicken farm impacts. However, the application of these 

weighting factors is dependent on the homogeneity of terrain between source and sensitive land use. For 

example, if the terrain remains similar between the meat chicken farm and sensitive land use the weighting 

factor can be applied for an indefinite distance. The weighting factor is, however, less reliable if significant 

terrain changes occur between source and sensitive land use. 

3. The use of these terrain weighting factors does not affect the application of surface roughness factors discussed in 

Section 2.3.4. 

4. Downslope factors should be applied across an angle of 90 O centred on the terrain feature. Upslope factors should 

be applied across an angle of 60 O centred on the terrain feature. 


A 2.4 

Example calculation – S-factor formula 

Example 1 

Consider a proposed new 200 000 bird facility, consisting of five tunnel-ventilated sheds. 

Step 1 – Location of sensitive land uses 

The site is located 1200 m west of a small village. A number of farm houses are sited on properties 

adjoining the proposed meat chicken farm site—the nearest is located 770 m to the north, another 

900 m to the west and another 850 m to the south. The local government has been consulted 

regarding the boundary of residential zonings for the village. The meat chicken farm site, village 

boundary zone and neighbouring farm houses have been located using a GPS unit with +/- 5 m 

accuracy. 

The S1 factors are: 

50 for the boundary of the village zone—this is a non-rural zone. 

30 for the three neighbouring farm houses (sensitive land uses) to north, south and west. 

Step 2 – Determination of surface roughness factor S2 

The property is located in an area of flat to undulating topography, with mixed farming and forestry 

land the dominant land uses. The forestry land has not been logged for many years, with logging or 

clearing unlikely to occur in the near future. The land between the proposed meat chicken farm and 

the farmhouse to the north is undulating with an established 100 m thick continuous timber belt 

along the northern boundary within the property. Forestry land extends from the eastern boundary 

of the property to the boundary of the village zone. The land between the proposed meat chicken 

farm site and the farmhouses to the south and west is flat to undulating with scattered clumps of 

trees and a few trees along fences. 

 

 

 

The surface roughness used for the village would be heavy timber (S2 S = 0.77) due to the wellestablished 

continuous stand of forestry and the fact that it is unlikely to be cleared. 

The surface roughness used for the farmhouse to the north would be level wooded country 

(S2 S = 0.85) due to the undulating nature of the terrain plus the continuous belt of established 

timber within the property in those directions. 

The surface roughness used for the farmhouses to the south and west of the proposed 

development would be limited ground cover/short grass (S2 S = 1.0) due to the flat to undulating 

nature of the terrain and the lack of a continuous, thick tree cover. 

Step 3 – Determination of terrain weighting factor S3 

The terrain of the area is flat to undulating, thus the terrain weighting factor S3 = 1. 

Step 4 – Calculation of required separation distances 

The required separation distance for the farmhouse to the north: 

Check S2*S3 – > 0.68 

D = (200000/1000) 0.63 * 30 * 0.85 *1.0 = 718 m 

This is less than the actual distance of 770 m. 

The required separation distance for the farmhouses to the west and south: 

Check S2*S3 - > 0.68 

D = (200000/1000) 0.63 * 30 * 1.0 *1.0 = 845 m 


This is less than the actual distance of 900 m (west) and 850 m (south). 

The required separation distance from the boundary of the village zone: 

Check S2*S3 - > 0.68 

D = (200000/1000) 0.63 * 50 * 0.77 *1.0 = 1084 m 

This is less than the actual distance of 1200 m and exceeds the minimum requirement of 300 m. 

Example 2 

Consider the proposed meat chicken farm development described in the previous example. The 

maximum number of birds allowed on the site can be calculated. 

The factor values are calculated in the same manner as presented in the previous examples. 

Maximum bird numbers require calculation for the distance available for each combination of 

receptor class/surface roughness category. 

Maximum bird numbers (N) = 1000 * (D / (S1 * S2 * S3)) 1/0.63 = (D / (S1 * S2 * S3)) 1.59 

Maximum bird numbers for the site (farmhouse north) N = 1000 * (770 / (30 * 0.85 *1.0)) 1.59 = 

225,487 birds. 

Maximum bird numbers for the site (farmhouse west) N = 1000 * (900 / (30 * 1.0 *1.0)) 1.59 = 

223,163 birds. 

Maximum bird numbers for the site (farmhouse south) N = 1000 * (850 / (30 * 1.0 *1.0)) 1.59 = 

203,776 birds. 

Maximum bird numbers for the site (village) N = 1000 * (1200 / (50 * 0.77 *1.0)) 1.59 = 237,146 

birds. 

The maximum number of birds allowed on the proposed site is 203 776, with the limitation being 

the distance to the farmhouse to the south. 

A 2.5 

Multiple odour sources and cumulative impacts 

Odours from meat chicken farms are complex mixtures of many odorants. The cumulative and 

interactive effects of individual odorants are not well understood but it is generally assumed that 

where two or more sources of a complex mixture of odorants are located in proximity, the potential 

odour impact on sensitive land uses is the sum of the potential individual impact of all odour 

sources. This approach is likely to provide a conservative assessment of the potential cumulative 


The necessity of including other odour sources in odour modelling needs to be judged based on 

individual site assessments. The major factors influencing the potential interaction of odour plumes 

will be: 

size of each facility 

prevailing meteorological conditions and topography of the area 

design and management of each facility. 

A simple method for assessing the need to include other facilities in modelling is to use the S-factor 

formula (Section 2.3) to calculate separation distance for each facility. The calculated separation 

distances essentially approximate the extent of any potential odour impact. Where the ‘odour 


plume’ from any neighbouring facility overlaps the ‘odour plume’ from the facility being assessed, 

cumulative odour impact is recommended and the neighbouring facility should be included in the 

assessment. 

It is suggested that if the neighbouring facility’s calculated ‘odour plume’ from the separation 

distance formula (Section 2.3) overlaps, then the calculated separation distances and buffer zones 

will need to be increased by 50 per cent (i.e. multiply the distance by 1.5). If the calculated 

separation distances are likely to impact on sensitive land uses, then odour modelling is required to 

determine variable separation distances (Section 2.6), with all facilities included. 

The S-factor formula for calculating separation distances should not be used if there are other 

significant odour sources on-site. These may include long-term spent litter storages or composting 

facilities. In order to determine separation distances for these developments, site specific odour 

dispersion modelling assessment is required. 

A 2.6 

Plume dispersion modelling 

Where initial separation distance estimates from the S-factor formula approach (refer to section 

2.3) are inadequate, and there is reason to believe that site-specific factors may favour the 

development of the proposed farm or the farm is greater than 300 000 birds, it is recommended 

that plume dispersion modelling be conducted. 

This should entail a modelling-based study along the lines of the methodology set out in the 

guideline 'Odour Impact Assessment for Developments' (Environmental Protection Agency, 

2004b). This will include: 

estimation of hourly varying emission rates based on factors such as bird numbers, bird age, 

ventilation (or ambient temperature) and preferably design and management factors. An 

example of odour emissions modelling that incorporates design and management factors is 

contained in Ormerod & Holmes (2005). More information is provided in the report ‘Best 

Practice Guidance for the Queensland Poultry Industry – Plume Dispersion Modelling and 

Meteorological Processing (PAE Holmes, 2011)’ 

use of site-specific meteorological data, obtained either through a suitably configured and sited 

on-site weather station, or from a recognised meteorological model (e.g. The Air Pollution 

Model [TAPM], developed by CSIRO). In the case of data derived from a simulation model, 

evidence of suitable model settings and validation of model performance in the region is 

necessary. Also, even short-term deployment of a weather station on site can help to confirm 

behaviour of important conditions such as drainage flows, and is recommended. 

Recommendations on meteorological data for use in odour assessments have been produced 

for the pig industry and are relevant also to meat chicken farms (Pacific Air & Environment, 

2003a) 

additional guidance regarding surface roughness factors for use in dispersion modelling can be 

found in the separate report ‘Best Practice Guidance for the Queensland Poultry Industry – 

Plume Dispersion Modelling and Meteorological Processing (PAE Holmes, 2011)' 

use of a suitable plume dispersion model - refer to ‘Best Practice Guidance for the Queensland 

Poultry Industry – Plume Dispersion Modelling and Meteorological Processing (PAE 

Holmes,2011)’ 

appropriate configuration of odour sources in the dispersion model. Consideration should be 

given to the best parameterisation of the odour sources in the model, taking into account the 

fact that exhaust air is normally vented horizontally but may differ in temperature from the 

ambient air significantly at times, resulting in buoyant effects in the near field. Such behaviour 

may be significant in relation to impacts at sensitive sites, especially if they are within 500 

metres or there is complex terrain. Refer to ‘Best Practice Guidance for the Queensland Poultry 

Industry – Plume Dispersion Modelling and Meteorological Processing (PAE Holmes, 2011)’. 


In addition, modelled odour levels should be assessed against the following criteria: 

2.5 OU, 99.5%, 1 hour average for a sensitive land use in a rural zone 

1.0 OU, 99.5%, 1 hour average for the boundary of a non-rural zone. 

Note: The stringent recommendation for a non-rural zone takes into account a risk-based odour assessment 

procedure, such as that used in New South Wales. The value of 1 OU (99.5%, 1 hour average) is 

approximately equivalent to the odour performance criterion for urban areas in New South Wales (2 OU, 

99%, 1 second). This recommended impact criterion is significantly more stringent than the ‘default’ odour 

criterion generally used in Queensland, as set out in 'Odour Impact Assessment for Developments' 

(Environmental Protection Agency, 2004b). 

Where local governments require independent third party reviews of any air quality reports 

submitted. Dispersion modelling and associated odour impact assessment should be conducted by 

a consultant based on the ‘Best Practice Guidance for the Queensland Poultry Industry – Plume 

Dispersion Modelling and Meteorological Processing (PAE Holmes, 2011)’.

Queensland Guidelines: Meat Chicken Farms - Department of ...

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