Former union boss Trevor Dobbyn fights proposed almond processing plant

Former Victorian union leader, Trevor Dobbyn, is embroiled in a war with Brownport Almonds over its proposed processing plant. See why Dobbyn and his wife are opposing the plans.

Former union official Trevor Dobbyn and his wife Neth Hinton are fighting plans for a $63 million almond processing plant next to their property in Hattah. Picture: Darren Selier

A former Victorian union boss has been accused of “frivolously” objecting to a proposed $63 million almond processing plant 300m from the border of his bushland property in northern Victoria.

Trevor Dobbyn and his wife Neth Hinton want Brownport Almonds to locate the factory in Hattah further away from their land, which they say is a vital habitat for endangered birds and other wildlife.

Mr Dobbyn, a former state secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, and a former state Labor Party president, said the Mallee property had conservation covenants on it due to its environmental importance.

Trevor Dobbyn and his wife Neth Hinton believe the proposed plant will impact their land, which plays home to endangered birds and other wildlife. Picture: Darren Seiler

“We are concerned because the processing plant will create thousands of tonnes of discarded almond husks, which are a fire hazard as they are prone to spontaneous combustion,” he said.

Ms Hinton said a fire would be catastrophic for the flora and fauna on the property, which is home to endangered birds like the Mallee Emu Wren, Mallee Fowl and Regent Parrot.

“This is a precious part of Victoria which must be preserved and protected for future generations,” she said.

But the couple’s appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has been dubbed “frivolous” by Brownport Almonds, who have the backing of state Nationals leader Peter Walsh.

Dobbyn was the former hard-nosed boss of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union.

Mr Walsh told parliament that dozens of new jobs were at stake if the plant didn’t go ahead.

“Brownport has approval from the Mildura city council, it has approvals from VicRoads, it has approvals from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and approvals from the CFA,” he said.

“If it’s not completed in time for this year’s harvest, there will not be enough processing capacity for the industry, or they may miss the window when the almonds are at the best quality.”

Mr Walsh called on Planning Minister Richard Wynne to call in Brownport’s application, saying that potentially $250 million worth of almond product was in jeopardy.

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Mr Dobbyn and Ms Hinton said they do not oppose a plant or the jobs it would create, but want it moved elsewhere on the 5000ha site that was away from the neighbouring native wildlife and flora.

Mr Wynne is expected to make a decision on Mr Walsh’s request in coming weeks.

“Since coming to power, we’ve reduced the unemployment rate in regional Victoria by almost three per cent, and we’ll continue to support projects and services that create jobs in northwest Victoria,” he said.

Brownport Almonds has 120 workers, and the company’s sole director is Melbourne-based investor Hin Bian Tan.

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