Meredith Dairy application for $2.5m goat dairy development back-up plan

A multimillion-dollar goat dairy development application in Meredith has been labelled a back-up in case a development nearby can’t go ahead.

Julie Cameron, co-owner of Meredith Dairy, has revealed a dairy application for Meredith is a back up plan. Photo: Dannika Bonser

A $2.5m goat dairy development application in Meredith has been labelled a back-up in case a similar development can’t go ahead.

Glenspean Partners, associated with Meredith Dairy, has applied on behalf of the popular cheesemaker to develop land on Bath Rd, Meredith into a goat dairy.

According to the application, the development would include a milking parlour, six animal housing sheds, a hayshed, grain silos and water holding tanks and associated plumbing.

The application bears a resemblance to one submitted by Meredith Dairy in June, 2022, for a 4.85ha site on Lower Plains Rd, Lethbridge.

Meredith Dairy co-owner Julie Cameron said the application for the Meredith site was part of a risk management strategy in case the $2m development at Lethbridge couldn’t proceed.

Meredith Dairy’s application to develop land at Lethbridge has been approved. Picture: supplied

A Golden Plains Shire spokesperson said the Lethbridge site application had been approved and a permit was issued on November 8, 2022.

They said no appeals were lodged with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Ms Cameron said the Lethbridge development was “definitely” the business’ first preference to build on.

She said this was because the site was located within the Golden Plains Food Production Precinct – a 4000ha area of privately owned, farm-zoned land.

Ms Cameron said this would mean there would not be any negative impacts to surrounding residents because it was so large and the site could be ran easily.

“It’s a farm that needed someone to care for it, and that’s what we plan to do,” she said.

“They were looking for another heavy production farm to be set up.

“We’re trying to move forward with our business and grow our business.

“We want to expand to have more people, and develop better business.”

Ms Cameron said the development would allow Meredith Dairy to use more sustainable practices.

According to the Lethbridge development application, the business employed 130 full-time/equivalent staff, and had a revenue of more than $45m per annum.

“The project will facilitate economic development within the shire, enabling six full time employment opportunities and indirect employment for 15 people,” it stated.

The dairy would house 3000 goats, including 2000 adult females and 1000 growing goats.

Meredith Dairy’s main farm is on Cameron Rd, Meredith, with products available to purchase direct from the site or at retailers across the country.

Originally published as Meredith Dairy application for $2.5m goat dairy development back-up plan