VCAT hearing unlikely to go ahead for Mount Duneed farm where dead cows were found

The farmer being investigated over 36 rotting dead cows found in a dry creek at Mount Duneed has been cleared by the EPA and is now unlikely to face the state’s planning tribunal.

The farmer being investigated over 36 rotting dead cows in Mount Duneed has been cleared by the Environment Protection Authority and is now unlikely to face the state’s planning tribunal.

An EPA spokeswoman confirmed its investigation into the alleged illegal dumping of the carcasses has closed, with a warning issued to the former operator.

She confirmed the carcasses were removed from Thomson Creek and disposed of in a burial pit 250m away, in line with its farm waste management guidelines and requiring no further action.

The former operator was scheduled to face VCAT on April 4 to 6, 2022, over the zoning of the property where 36 dead cows were found last year.

A VCAT spokesman has confirmed there will be an administrative mention on January 21 2022, which will determine if the case will proceed in April.

The operator moved out at the end of November with a new family since taking over the lease.

Dead cow found at Mt Duneed in March 2020

A local resident said he has been advised by VCAT’s deputy president Carol Daicic that difficulties now surround the case.

“The hearing is up in air, it is difficult to hold a hearing if there is no dispute, the (former) tenant told VCAT he doesn’t plan to dispute it and the owners of the property don’t see any reason to continue,” he said.

“Residents are a little concerned because it only takes two weeks to re-establish a feedlot, given the Shire is still under the impression it is a grazing enterprise.”

The neighbour alleges the cows were abruptly placed on high protein pellets, causing them to develop ascites and eventually dying a slow and painful death.

“Cows have sensitive digestive systems to high nutrient foods, any person who knows anything about livestock wouldn’t do that,” he said.

In July it was announced the Surf Coast Shire would seek clarification on whether the farming operation should be considered an intensive animal production and therefore require a planning permit.

The Surf Coast Shire chief executive officer Robyn Seymour said she has since been advised of the previous operator’s departure along with the cattle yards placed at the centre of the dispute.

“Council is seeking legal advice in respect to the VCAT proceedings and if they will be continued or withdrawn,” she said.

Originally published as VCAT hearing unlikely to go ahead for Mount Duneed farm where dead cows were found