Farming and tourism collide in small Gippsland hamlet

A cluster of farmers in a quiet South Gippsland hamlet face an uncertain future with a planning permit for a large scale tourism development sitting with the Victorian planning department.

A cluster of farmers in a quiet South Gippsland hamlet face an uncertain future for their farms as a planning permit for a large scale tourism development sits with the Victorian planning department.

The development is the latest in a series of planning applications in the region that challenge existing producers’ right to farm, including a Kongwak organic pig farmer whose accreditation could be invalid if the proposed development is approved.

The Kongwak Butter Factory has sat vacant in the small township of Kongwak for decades. Owners and developers Gemma Cosgriff and Damian Backholer received $500,000 as part of the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund in late November, to restore the historic building – founded in 1896 – to include a general store, art gallery, accommodation and event space.

Lee Storti is an organic pig farmer who has lived in the region for more than 20 years, and has held organic certification since 2013.

She said the proposed development, which abutts the boundary of her farm, would require her to create a 20m buffer within her boundary in order to maintain certification, costing money while also surrendering prime agricultural land.

“We don’t want to retire, and we don’t want to be devalued,” Ms Storti said.

Organic pig producer Lee Storti on her Kongwak property. Picture: Madeleine Stuchbery

Neighbouring farmers have concerns for biosecurity, along with erosion and contamination from storm water.

A number of septic tanks for the Butter Factory are also slated to be installed metres from Ms Storti’s primary residence.

Organic pic producer Lee Storti points to the boundary where a large scale tourism development could abutt her property. Picture: Madeleine Stuchbery

Kongwak Butter Factory owner Gemma Cosgriff said the master plan has been “carefully shaped” with consideration for neighbouring farmland.

“As part of the next phase of the project, a farm management plan will be developed – at this time we will consult further with neighbouring farmers, so as to ensure that interfaces to their farms are appropriately managed,” Ms Cosgriff said.

A decision on the application is due by the planning department by the end of the month.