The Environment Protection Authority Victoria is considering a works approval application from Midfield Meat for the construction of a new plant at its existing abattoir on Scott Street.

Midfield is proposing to build an in-line protein recovery processing facility at its McMeekin Road/Scott Street site, estimated to cost between $20-$25 million, which could result in the decommissioning of the rendering plant at Levy’s Point Coastal Reserve. 

The EPA has received 13 submissions from the public and has arranged for an independently chaired community conference to be held in Warrnambool on Wednesday, November 7.     

Information from the EPA website said the works approval was required under the Environment Protection Act 1970 for industrial and waste management activities that had the potential for significant environmental impact.  

“The approval permits the construction of a plant, the installation of equipment or modification of processes,” it says. “The works approval is not the only step in the process. The proposal will also require a Warrnambool City Council planning permit amendment to proceed.” 

Midfield’s projects manager Kevin Banner told The Standard in February, when plans for the new facility were revealed, the plant would convert leftover raw materials in an integrated, fully-closed system.

The EPA said the purpose of the conference was for it to gain a better understanding of community concerns and issues that needed to be considered and to identify potential resolutions for the application. 

All views raised in the submissions will be considered in EPA’s decision making. To register to attend the conference email works.approvals@epa.vic.gov.au or call 1300  372 842. It will be held at the Warrnambool Golf Club in Younger Street from 6 to 8.30pm.