Siting and land use

Careful selection of the area to develop new dairy facilities or a new dairy complex (greenfield development) can streamline the approval process, ensure a more efficient operation, and help to avoid issues caused by unfavourable site characteristics.

In many instances, selecting a new site is not always possible or practical and dairy developers will usually need to modify their existing land or facilities. The following matters should be considered for new facilities or modifications to existing dairy operations to minimise impacts and improve system efficiency.

Land use conflict

Land use conflict occurs when one land user is perceived to infringe upon the rights, values, or amenity of another. Rural amenity issues associated with dairy systems
can include impacts on:

air quality due to agricultural land uses (odour and dust)
use and enjoyment of neighbouring land (noise from animals and machinery)
visual amenity (farm facilities disturb views or create lighting impacts)
water quality (erosion, sedimentation, manure runoff/ leaching)
pest animal, disease and weeds spread
rural roads and neighbours from machinery and vehicle movements.

These impacts and their management options are explained in more detail in Section 9.

Avoiding conflicts should be a priority when planning dairy developments. Consultation with neighbours at the right time about the development proposal, or diplomatically raising concerns about the management of land, can resolve issues early. Reaching agreement on how to address issues that arise in a consultative and cooperative manner is the best solution.

Site selection considerations

Siting and land use considerations are included in the dairy developer checklist provided in Appendix 1. It provides a comprehensive list of site characteristics to consider when establishing a site for a new dairy complex or modifying an existing dairy complex with new or upgraded facilities. Table 4 below lists other accessible mapping systems that provide useful information for site selection and potential land use change.

Table 4: Useful mapping systems in siting and potential land use considerations
Tool	Information	Location
NSW Planning Portal	Application management	NSW Planning Portal (plannningportal.nsw.gov.au)
NSW Spatial Imagery Viewer	Overlays, zones and Property Planning Report	NSW Planning Portal (Spatial Viewer), accessed via the NSW Planning Portal.
SIX Maps Viewer	Title and topography	SIX Maps (maps.six.nsw.gov.au)
Bureau of Meteorology	Climate data, rainfall intensity, groundwater, stream flow	Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au)
Silo	Climate data (Australia wide)	LongPaddock- Queensland Government (longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/point-data)
Real-time water data	Rivers and stream flow Monitoring stations Groundwater	Real-time water data (waternsw.com.au)
Road Network Classifications	NSW Road Network Classifications	Road Network Classifications (maps.transport.nsw.gov.au)

Table 5 summarises some of the key siting and land use factors to consider early in dairy development planning. Many proposed developments and sites will have unique issues not listed in the table, which will need to be considered and assessed.

Consideration: Location

Relevance to siting and land use
Dairy complexes are most appropriately located in the RU1 zone and should avoid sensitive receptors that might be affected by dairy systems (e.g. odour, dust, noise, visual changes). Consider future land use of surrounding lands and potential sensitive receptors (see buffer zones/setbacks/separation distances). Buffer/setback/separation distances from dairy facilities and the manure management system to the boundary of the property should be set and maintained to manage potential impacts. Siting should avoid or reduce potential negative impacts on the health and amenity of residents and workers on the property. Consider titles, easements and ‘paper’ roads. Avoid locating facilities where they will cross title boundaries or impact existing easements that may require alteration or termination. A dairy complex must have access to an adequate supply of good-quality water and a reliable power supply. Crown roads are often referred to as ‘paper roads’, as the majority are not constructed. Crown roads are part of the state’s public road network and are administered by Crown lands.

Relevance to siting and land use

Dairy complexes are most appropriately located in the RU1 zone and should avoid sensitive receptors that might be affected by dairy systems (e.g. odour, dust, noise, visual changes). Consider future land use of surrounding lands and potential sensitive receptors (see buffer zones/setbacks/separation distances).

Buffer/setback/separation distances from dairy facilities and the manure management system to the boundary of the property should be set and maintained to manage potential impacts.

Siting should avoid or reduce potential negative impacts on the health and amenity of residents and workers on the property. Consider titles, easements and ‘paper’ roads*. Avoid locating facilities where they will cross title boundaries or impact existing easements that may require alteration or termination.

A dairy complex must have access to an adequate supply of good-quality water and a reliable power supply.

* Crown roads are often referred to as ‘paper roads’, as the majority are not constructed. Crown roads are part of the state’s public road network and are administered by Crown lands.

Sources of information	National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference
Local knowledge Council zoning plans LEP Title searches Online maps and aerial photographs e.g. Google Maps to help determine the nature of surrounding land uses Energy system/infrastructure company maps (where available)	Chapter 1 – Dairy development staged planning and construction guide Chapter 2, Section 2.2 – Site selection, design and management Chapter 4 – Amenity and environment

Sources of information

National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference

Local knowledge
Council zoning plans
LEP
Title searches
Online maps and aerial photographs e.g. Google Maps to help determine the nature of surrounding land uses
Energy system/infrastructure company maps (where available)

Chapter 1 – Dairy development staged planning and construction guide

Chapter 2, Section 2.2 – Site selection, design and management

Chapter 4 – Amenity and environment

Consideration: Buffer zones/setbacks/separation distances and building restrictions

Relevance to siting and land use
Buffer/setbacks/separation distances help to avoid or reduce potential impacts to other land uses or to manage biosecurity risks. However, they are not a substitute for good siting, design and management practices. Distances will vary based on the impacts to be controlled and the environment to be protected. Review local and state building controls to ensure that any boundary offsets or height restrictions on proposed structures are met, allowing for current or future development with adequate heights for roof lines, grain silos or elevators. Allow enough space and distance to accommodate future expansion or staged development including: an increased herd size requiring an increase in the capacity of the manure management system incorporation of a feedpad to adopt a PMR feeding system conversion of a permanent concrete feedpad into a frees

Relevance to siting and land use

Buffer/setbacks/separation distances help to avoid or reduce potential impacts to other land uses or to manage biosecurity risks. However, they are not a substitute for good siting, design and management practices.

Distances will vary based on the impacts to be controlled and the environment to be protected.

Review local and state building controls to ensure that any boundary offsets or height restrictions on proposed structures are met, allowing for current or future development with adequate heights for roof lines, grain silos or elevators.

Allow enough space and distance to accommodate future expansion or staged development including:

an increased herd size requiring an increase in the capacity of the manure management system
incorporation of a feedpad to adopt a PMR feeding system
conversion of a permanent concrete feedpad into a frees

Sources of information	National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference
Depending on siting and identified sensitive receptors, the design of the facility and manure reuse area may need detailed assessments or modelling (such as for odour and noise) in accordance with relevant guidelines, to determine the necessary distances to reduce impacts. Local and site-specific circumstances and the application of relevant council and state policies, as well as guidelines specific to an area may change the required separation distances.	Chapter 1 – Dairy development staged planning and construction guide Chapter 4 – Amenity and environment

Sources of information

National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference

Depending on siting and identified sensitive receptors, the design of the facility and manure reuse area may need detailed assessments or modelling (such as for odour and noise) in accordance with relevant guidelines, to determine the necessary distances to reduce impacts.
Local and site-specific circumstances and the application of relevant council
and state policies, as well as guidelines specific to an area may change the
required separation distances.

Chapter 1 – Dairy development staged planning and construction guide

Chapter 4 – Amenity and environment

Consideration: Topography and soil type

Relevance to siting and land use
Consider landform, slope and soil characteristics in site selection. These can influence buffer/setbacks/separation distances, the requirement to disturb land, and opportunities to use gravity and natural air movement. Siting considerations include: potential soil excavation and construction constraints such as high-water tables or acid sulfate soils (ASS) to ensure that the development can be undertaken within a manageable risk level elevated sites that provide natural ventilation and drainage avoiding climatic conditions or topography with potential to increase odour impacts to sensitive receptors locating and designing structures to work with land contouring to minimise earthwork, erosion risks and building costs; building works should not be located on steep slopes (greater than 20%) manure reuse areas on flat to gently sloping land using the natural topography and its existing vegetation to screen or buffer, or to help in management of runoff into waters.

Relevance to siting and land use

Consider landform, slope and soil characteristics in site selection. These can influence buffer/setbacks/separation distances, the requirement to disturb land, and opportunities to use gravity and natural air movement. Siting considerations include:

potential soil excavation and construction constraints such as high-water tables or acid sulfate soils (ASS) to ensure that the development can be undertaken within a manageable risk level
elevated sites that provide natural ventilation and drainage
avoiding climatic conditions or topography with potential to increase odour impacts to sensitive receptors
locating and designing structures to work with land contouring to minimise earthwork, erosion risks and building costs; building works should not be located on steep slopes (greater than 20%)
manure reuse areas on flat to gently sloping land
using the natural topography and its existing vegetation to screen or buffer, or to help in management of runoff into waters.

Sources of information	National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference
National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing provides recommended slopes for construction areas and facilities, drains, basins and manure reuse areas. NSW Planning Portal (Spatial Viewer) LEP See Section 8	Chapter 2, Section 2.2 – Site selection, design and management Chapter 5 – Site investigation and earthworks Chapter 9 – Facility design and management

Sources of information

National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference

National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing provides recommended slopes for construction areas and facilities, drains, basins and manure reuse areas.
NSW Planning Portal (Spatial Viewer)
LEP
See Section 8

Chapter 2, Section 2.2 – Site selection, design and management

Chapter 5 – Site investigation and earthworks

Chapter 9 – Facility design and management

Consideration: Manure management system and reuse area

Relevance to siting and land use
The proposed manure management system will significantly influence the necessary site characteristics and potential impacts that the dairy complex may have on surrounding properties and the environment. Consider: The land required to store, manage and reuse each manure stream must account for the scale of the dairy system, type of facility, and any planned future expansion The topography of the site and its resulting slope, drainage and prevalence for katabatic winds can influence manure management The suitability of the soil for the storage, management and application of manure. Assess how much land is required for optimal soil fertility for growing pastures or crops Application methods and input requirements (e.g. labour) to ensure efficient operation and maintenance.

Relevance to siting and land use

The proposed manure management system will significantly influence the necessary site characteristics and potential impacts that the dairy complex may have on surrounding properties and the environment. Consider:

The land required to store, manage and reuse each manure stream must account for the scale of the dairy system, type of facility, and any planned future expansion
The topography of the site and its resulting slope, drainage and prevalence for katabatic winds can influence manure management
The suitability of the soil for the storage, management and application of manure. Assess how much land is required for optimal soil fertility for growing pastures or crops
Application methods and input requirements (e.g. labour) to ensure efficient operation and maintenance.

Sources of information	National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference
Design of the manure management system and reuse planning should be undertaken by an accredited effluent system designer or professional with demonstrated experience Effluent reuse management: Strategic environmental compliance and performance review (NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change and Water, 2010) (environment.nsw.gov.au) Dairy industry best management publications on manure and nutrient management planning and operations provided in Section 9 Manure and Effluent Management Plan – once prepared Nutrient Management Plan – once prepared Note: A NMP may be a component of the MEMP or may be prepared separately by a Fertcare® accredited advisor in accordance with the Fertcare® technical standards for nutrient management planning on Australian dairy farms (Fertilizer Australia, 2020)	Chapter 7 – Manure management Chapter 12 – On-farm nutrient management

Sources of information

National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference

Design of the manure management system and reuse planning should be undertaken by an accredited effluent system designer or professional with demonstrated experience

Effluent reuse management: Strategic environmental compliance and performance review (NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change and Water, 2010) (environment.nsw.gov.au)
Dairy industry best management publications on manure and nutrient management planning and operations provided in Section 9
Manure and Effluent Management Plan – once prepared
Nutrient Management Plan – once prepared
Note: A NMP may be a component of the MEMP or may be prepared
separately by a Fertcare® accredited advisor in accordance with the Fertcare®
technical standards for nutrient management planning on Australian dairy farms
(Fertilizer Australia, 2020)

Chapter 7 – Manure management

Chapter 12 – On-farm nutrient management

Consideration: Dust, noise, odour, light spill and visual amenity

Relevance to siting and land use
The presence of unrelated dwellings or other sensitive receptors in the vicinity that may be affected by noise, dust, odour and other aspects of the proposal, will determine the potential impact of dairy operations. Any agreement with an existing landowner regarding the acceptance of impacts may not be binding on future owners. Dust Construction and operation activities that relate to earthworks or a high concentration of activities in earthen areas should consider the potential impact on sensitive receptors, roads and vegetation. Areas that may generate dust should be located within the dairy complex. Suppression mitigation measures such as sprinklers, wood chips or compacted earthen laneways may be required to reduce impacts. Noise When planning and siting equipment, consider the type of equipment and its noise generating activities. This includes understanding noise levels and operation times. Dairy systems often mix feed around the same time as milking, which can be at any time of the day or night to meet cow nutritional needs. If equipment is proposed for late night use, its location must consider the surrounding environment. Odour Odour can create amenity and environmental issues for dairy systems of any size. When planning and designing a new dairy, it is important to minimise odour impacts from the manure management system and contained facilities. An assessment of potential odour impact should be undertaken to support a DA (see Section 5) or for an EPL (see Section 7). The detail of the assessment should align with the proposed development. Light spill Dairy systems operate at different times of the day and night depending on the number of milkings, climate, and time of year. Lighting is required in and around complexes to ensure adequate safe working areas for staff and stock. Lighting within the dairy complex must consider the surrounding sensitive land uses and sensitive receptors. Visual Larger and more intensive dairy systems might generate concerns about the visual impact. Natural topography, landscaping, mounding and vegetation can help to screen operations from neighbouring properties and public roads.Screening should be adequate without impacting on operations. Considerations include: ensuring that vegetation is not planted next to holding ponds to allow for cleaning, maintaining bank integrity and reducing shaded areas ensuring facilities have sufficient airflow and ventilation reducing shading of wet areas that may generate odour or bogging.

Relevance to siting and land use

The presence of unrelated dwellings or other sensitive receptors in the vicinity that may be affected by noise, dust, odour and other aspects of the proposal, will determine the potential impact of dairy operations. Any agreement with an existing landowner regarding the acceptance of impacts may not be binding on future owners.

Dust

Construction and operation activities that relate to earthworks or a high concentration of activities in earthen areas should consider the potential impact on sensitive receptors, roads and vegetation.

Areas that may generate dust should be located within the dairy complex. Suppression mitigation measures such as sprinklers, wood chips or compacted earthen laneways may be required to reduce impacts.

Noise

When planning and siting equipment, consider the type of equipment and its noise generating activities. This includes understanding noise levels and operation times. Dairy systems often mix feed around the same time as milking, which can be at any time of the day or night to meet cow nutritional needs. If equipment is proposed for late night use, its location must consider the surrounding environment.

Odour

Odour can create amenity and environmental issues for dairy systems of any size. When planning and designing a new dairy, it is important to minimise odour impacts from the manure management system and contained facilities.

An assessment of potential odour impact should be undertaken to support a DA (see Section 5) or for an EPL (see Section 7).

The detail of the assessment should align with the proposed development.

Light spill

Dairy systems operate at different times of the day and night depending on the number of milkings, climate, and time of year.

Lighting is required in and around complexes to ensure adequate safe working areas for staff and stock.

Lighting within the dairy complex must consider the surrounding sensitive land uses and sensitive receptors.

Visual

Larger and more intensive dairy systems might generate concerns about the visual impact. Natural topography, landscaping, mounding and vegetation can help to screen operations from neighbouring properties and public roads.Screening should be adequate without impacting on operations. Considerations include:

ensuring that vegetation is not planted next to holding ponds to allow for cleaning, maintaining bank integrity and reducing shaded areas
ensuring facilities have sufficient airflow and ventilation
reducing shading of wet areas that may generate odour or bogging.

Sources of information	National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference
Technical advice may be needed to undertake relevant assessments or modelling (such as for odour and noise) in accordance with relevant guidelines. Refer to Section 9.5 - Community Amenity, Principles 1-4 which covers more information on separation distance and odour assessment, air quality, noise and visual amenity.	Chapter 4 – Amenity and the environment Chapter 7 – Manure management Chapter 8 – Feeding infrastructure to support grazing and intensive dairy production Chapter 9 – Facility design and management Chapter 10 – Health and welfare. Chapter 12 – On-farm nutrient management

Sources of information

National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference

Technical advice may be needed to undertake relevant assessments or modelling (such as for odour and noise) in accordance with relevant guidelines.

Refer to Section 9.5 - Community Amenity, Principles 1-4 which covers more information on separation distance and odour assessment, air quality, noise and visual amenity.

Chapter 4 – Amenity and the environment
Chapter 7 – Manure management
Chapter 8 – Feeding infrastructure to support grazing and intensive dairy production
Chapter 9 – Facility design and management
Chapter 10 – Health and welfare.
Chapter 12 – On-farm nutrient management

Consideration: Climate risk and greenhouse gas emissions

Relevance to siting and land use
Siting and design should consider increased climate variability, particularly flooding, drought and extreme heat events. Design should include management controls including new and emerging technologies, as well as options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Sources of information	National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference
For more information on greenhouse gas emissions see Section 9.10. Greenhouse gas emissions: (https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/dairynsw/climate-and-environment/greenhouse-gas-emissions) Calculate farm greenhouse gas emissions with the Australian Dairy Carbon Calculator: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/climate-and-environment/greenhouse-gas-emissions/australian-dairy-carbon-calculator	Chapter 13, Section 7 - Greenhouse gas emissions

Sources of information

National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference

For more information on greenhouse gas emissions see Section 9.10.

Greenhouse gas emissions: (https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/dairynsw/climate-and-environment/greenhouse-gas-emissions)

Calculate farm greenhouse gas emissions with the Australian Dairy Carbon
Calculator: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/climate-and-environment/greenhouse-gas-emissions/australian-dairy-carbon-calculator

Chapter 13, Section 7 - Greenhouse gas emissions

Consideration: Heritage

Relevance to siting and land use
Aboriginal heritage Development siting must consider Aboriginal cultural heritage before any work starts. Activities involving vegetation removal or work within sensitive or undisturbed areas must undertake due diligence to protect Aboriginal cultural objects and places. A key step in the due diligence process is to check for Aboriginal sites on the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) (see below link). Natural heritage When siting developments, avoid locations near natural assets including biodiversity areas and natural recreational areas that could be impacted by light spill, noise and odour. European heritage Siting of developments should also consider their impact on any listed heritage items in the area including visual and community amenity. Consider the public road network that provides access to milk trucks. Load and width limits on nearby roads and bridges, as well as regular flooding of local roads, can affect dairy operations

Relevance to siting and land use

Aboriginal heritage

Development siting must consider Aboriginal cultural heritage before any work starts. Activities involving vegetation removal or work within sensitive or undisturbed areas must undertake due diligence to protect Aboriginal cultural objects and places.

A key step in the due diligence process is to check for Aboriginal sites on the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) (see below link).

Natural heritage

When siting developments, avoid locations near natural assets including biodiversity areas and natural recreational areas that could be impacted by light spill, noise and odour.

European heritage

Siting of developments should also consider their impact on any listed heritage items in the area including visual and community amenity.

Consider the public road network that provides access to milk trucks. Load and width limits on nearby roads and bridges, as
well as regular flooding of local roads, can affect dairy operations

Sources of information	National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference
AHIMS database (environment.nsw.gov.au) Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales (NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, 2010) (environment.nsw.gov.au) DCCEEW - Environment and Heritage (environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/heritage) LEPs NSW National Parks and Wildlife (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au) Local, State and National heritage listings	Chapter 2, Section 2.2 – Site selection, design and management Chapter 4 – Amenity and the environment

Sources of information

National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference

AHIMS database (environment.nsw.gov.au)
Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales (NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, 2010) (environment.nsw.gov.au)
DCCEEW - Environment and Heritage (environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/heritage)
LEPs
NSW National Parks and Wildlife (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au)
Local, State and National heritage listings

Chapter 2, Section 2.2 – Site selection, design and management

Chapter 4 – Amenity and the environment

Consideration: Traffic (onto site and within site)

Relevance to siting and land use
A site must have suitable all-weather vehicle access for the transport of milk, as well as any feed and livestock. When planning internal road access, parking and turning areas, ensure that: access to and from the site is provided for the forward movement of vehicles there is convenient parking for staff and visitors noise, dust and light are minimised vehicle access and cattle lanes remain separated there is an access area within the farm boundary off a public road to ensure large trucks can store (stop) without impact to passing traffic. Consider the public road network that provides access to milk trucks. Load and width limits on nearby roads and bridges, as well as regular flooding of local roads, can affect dairy operations.

Relevance to siting and land use

A site must have suitable all-weather vehicle access for the transport of milk, as well as any feed and livestock. When planning internal road access, parking and turning areas, ensure that:

access to and from the site is provided for the forward movement of vehicles
there is convenient parking for staff and visitors
noise, dust and light are minimised
vehicle access and cattle lanes remain separated
there is an access area within the farm boundary off a public road to ensure large trucks can store (stop) without impact to passing traffic.

Consider the public road network that provides access to milk trucks. Load and width limits on nearby roads and bridges, as well as regular flooding of local roads, can affect dairy operations.

Sources of information	National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference
The council and Transport for NSW will consider the impacts of the proposed development on public roads. They may determine that the provision or upgrade of road infrastructure is required. A development consent may be subject to conditions requiring the dedication of land or a monetary contribution towards meeting the infrastructure needs that occur as a result of the development. Early discussion with council planning and engineering, together with other agencies, will help determine whether a development contribution may be required, or if there are any road infrastructure issues.	Chapter 2, Section 2.2 – Site selection, design and management Chapter 8 – Feeding infrastructure to support grazing and intensive dairy production Chapter 9 – Facility design & management

Sources of information

National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference

The council and Transport for NSW will consider the impacts of the proposed development on public roads. They may determine that the provision or upgrade of road infrastructure is required.

A development consent may be subject to conditions requiring the dedication of land or a monetary contribution towards meeting the infrastructure needs that occur as a result of the development.
Early discussion with council planning and engineering, together with other agencies, will help determine whether a development contribution may be required, or if there are any road infrastructure issues.

Chapter 2, Section 2.2 – Site selection, design and management

Chapter 8 – Feeding infrastructure to support grazing and intensive dairy production

Chapter 9 – Facility design & management

Consideration: Natural environment (biodiversity)

Relevance to siting and land use
The proximity of certain ecosystems can affect where dairy facilities or manure management systems and reuse areas are located. Natural features such as water courses or biodiverse areas such as wetlands should be protected by relevant setbacks. Any removal of native vegetation may require approval. This is also relevant to supporting infrastructure (e.g. access roads, fencing).

Relevance to siting and land use

The proximity of certain ecosystems can affect where dairy facilities or manure management systems and reuse areas are located. Natural features such as water courses or biodiverse areas such as wetlands should be protected by relevant setbacks.

Any removal of native vegetation may require approval. This is also relevant to supporting infrastructure (e.g. access roads, fencing).

Sources of information	National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference
See Section 8 and Section 9.8 for more information on biodiversity and obligations under the regulations Local council LEPs Local knowledge of the environment e.g. natural drainage lines	Chapter 1 – Dairy development staged planning and construction guide Chapter 2, Section 2.2 – Site selection, design and management

Sources of information

National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference

See Section 8 and Section 9.8 for more information on biodiversity and obligations under the regulations

Local council
LEPs
Local knowledge of the environment e.g. natural drainage lines

Chapter 1 – Dairy development staged planning and construction guide
Chapter 2, Section 2.2 – Site selection, design and management

Consideration: Planning for biosecurity, emergency animal disease, mortality management, weeds and pests

Relevance to siting and land use
Decisions on siting and layout can reduce the risk of animal biosecurity issues and help prevent the introduction and spread of weeds, pests and diseases. Also consider impacts on nearby agricultural enterprises, industries or sensitive receptors. Siting should consider how the movement of people and materials on and off the site will be undertaken in a way that manages biosecurity risks. For more information see section 9.6.

Relevance to siting and land use

Decisions on siting and layout can reduce the risk of animal biosecurity issues and help prevent the introduction and spread of weeds, pests and diseases. Also consider impacts on nearby agricultural enterprises, industries or sensitive receptors. Siting should consider how the movement of people and materials on and off the site will be undertaken in a way that manages biosecurity risks. For more information see section 9.6.

Sources of information	National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference
Managing biosecurity risks in land use planning and development guide (NSW DPI, 2020) (dpi.nsw.gov.au)	N/A

Consideration: Flooding, bushfire and natural hazards

Relevance to siting and land use
Consider the site’s vulnerability to natural hazards. The developer should consider design features to allow business continuity during an extreme weather events, such as back-up power/generators, tanker access, feed delivery access and/or flood refuges. Flood-prone land Much of the NSW dairy industry is located on floodplains and alluvial flats. The guidance is: Dairy (pasture based) – dairy facilities and manure management systems should not be sited in areas subject to flooding at 1-in-25-year or more frequency levels unless adequate safeguards can be incorporated Dairy (restricted) – dairy facilities and manure management systems should be sited above the 1-in-100-year flood levels. Dairy facilities and manure management systems must not be located in a designated floodway or in waterways. This cancause alterations in the floodwater flow pattern, as well as structural damage to facilities and scouring of the surrounding area Manure management systems – existing systems proposed to be upgraded and sited on flood-prone land will need additional consideration. Appropriately designed as ‘fit for purpose’ holding and settling ponds will prevent overflow and water pollution Irrigation and application of each manure stream to paddocks on flood-prone land may be permitted, but areas that are subject to frequent inundation (more often than 1 in 6 months) should be avoided Acid sulfate soils Acid sulfate soils (ASS) can damage the environment by acidifying and poisoning surface waters and groundwater. They may also reduce farm productivity by inhibiting plant growth and damaging farm structures. ASS should be avoided when proposing ground disturbing activities and draining the iron sulfide layer must be avoided. Development consent is required for works such as the construction of drains and ponds. Slope and landslip Development on adjoining steep slopes (i.e. greater than 1 in 5) should be avoided. This includes road and laneway infrastructure.

Relevance to siting and land use

Consider the site’s vulnerability to natural hazards. The developer should consider design features to allow business continuity during an extreme weather events, such as back-up power/generators, tanker access, feed delivery access and/or flood refuges.

Flood-prone land

Much of the NSW dairy industry is located on floodplains and alluvial flats.

The guidance is:

Dairy (pasture based) – dairy facilities and manure management systems should not be sited in areas subject to flooding at 1-in-25-year or more frequency levels unless adequate safeguards can be incorporated
Dairy (restricted) – dairy facilities and manure management systems should be sited above the 1-in-100-year flood levels.
Dairy facilities and manure management systems must not be located in a designated floodway or in waterways. This cancause alterations in the floodwater flow pattern, as well as structural damage to facilities and scouring of the surrounding area
Manure management systems – existing systems proposed to be upgraded and sited on flood-prone land will need additional consideration. Appropriately designed as ‘fit for purpose’ holding and settling ponds will prevent overflow and water pollution
Irrigation and application of each manure stream to paddocks on flood-prone land may be permitted, but areas that are subject to frequent inundation (more often than 1 in 6 months) should be avoided

Acid sulfate soils

Acid sulfate soils (ASS) can damage the environment by acidifying and poisoning surface waters and groundwater. They may also reduce farm productivity by inhibiting plant growth and damaging farm structures. ASS should be avoided when proposing ground disturbing activities and draining the iron sulfide layer must be avoided.

Development consent is required for works such as the construction of drains and ponds.

Slope and landslip

Development on adjoining steep slopes (i.e. greater than 1 in 5) should be avoided. This includes road and laneway infrastructure.

Sources of information	National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference
Local council – flooding and ASS mapping NSW Flood Plain Management Plans Local floodplain modelling or manuals (request from council) Development control plans (see below and Section 5) Planning for Bushfire Protection – a guide for councils, planners, fire authorities and developers (NSW Rural Fire Service, 2019) (rfs.nsw.gov.au) NSW Planning Portal (Spatial Viewer) – acid sulphate soils overlay Topographic and contour maps	Chapter 2, Section 2.2 – Site selection, design and management Chapter 4 – Amenity and the environment Chapter 5 – Site investigation and earthworks

Sources of information

National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference

Local council – flooding and ASS mapping
NSW Flood Plain Management Plans
Local floodplain modelling or manuals (request from council)
Development control plans (see below and Section 5)
Planning for Bushfire Protection – a guide for councils, planners, fire authorities and developers (NSW Rural Fire Service, 2019) (rfs.nsw.gov.au)
NSW Planning Portal (Spatial Viewer) – acid sulphate soils overlay
Topographic and contour maps

Chapter 2, Section 2.2 – Site selection, design and management

Chapter 4 – Amenity and the environment

Chapter 5 – Site investigation and earthworks

Consideration: Contaminated land

Relevance to siting and land use
Siting When proposing a change in land use, consider contamination and remediation, especially if there is a risk to human health or the environment. Activities that may cause contamination, such as agricultural areas (from use of pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers), waste disposal, or mining, may need to be assessed. Investigate any history of using hazardous chemicals, such as fuel storage, sheep or cattle dips, chemical manufacturing, or pest control. Where a change in use of the land is being proposed, the consent authority might require information or an investigation relative to the past site activities.

Relevance to siting and land use

Siting

When proposing a change in land use, consider contamination and remediation, especially if there is a risk to human health or the environment. Activities that may cause contamination, such as agricultural areas (from use of pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers), waste disposal, or mining, may need to be assessed. Investigate any history of using hazardous chemicals, such as fuel storage, sheep or cattle dips, chemical manufacturing, or pest control. Where a change in use of the land is being proposed, the consent authority might require information or an investigation relative to the past site activities.

Sources of information	National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference
State Environmental Planning Policy (Resilience and Hazards) 2021 EPA – Managing Land Contamination DPHI – Contaminated Land Planning Guidelines – Draft* Local councils may have a contaminated land management policy available on their website (*guidelines currently under assessment, alternatively located at: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/under-review-and-new-policy-and-legislation/remediation-of-land-sepp or https://www.planningportal. nsw.gov.au/draftplans/under-consideration/remediation-land-sepp)	N/A

Sources of information

National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing reference

State Environmental Planning Policy (Resilience and Hazards) 2021
EPA – Managing Land Contamination
DPHI – Contaminated Land Planning Guidelines – Draft*
Local councils may have a contaminated land management policy available on their website

(*guidelines currently under assessment, alternatively located at: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/under-review-and-new-policy-and-legislation/remediation-of-land-sepp or https://www.planningportal. nsw.gov.au/draftplans/under-consideration/remediation-land-sepp)

N/A

Council Development Control Plans (DCPs), explained in more detail in Section 5, may include a requirement for a site analysis to identify potential site constraints and opportunities. Some council DCPs may set specific siting requirements for certain dairy facilities such as setbacks from property boundaries and roads. Reviewing DCP requirements is helpful when considering site constraints and opportunities, which may affect the design of the dairy complex or facilities.

Buffer/setback/separation distances

The terms buffer, setback and separation distance are often used interchangeably to describe the distance between a land use that has the potential to cause impacts and nearby sensitive areas.

Due to the many variables of dairy facility design, layout and site characteristics, standardised separation distances to reduce the potential impacts from a dairy system cannot be used. It is important to consult relevant authorities, codes, and experts to assess the appropriate separation distances for each development and location. Separation distances relevant to the proposed development and dairy system, operation and management, and local conditions should be assessed, detailed and specified in applications and approvals.

All applications must clearly define the assessment methodology, baseline numbers and determined distances relied upon in the application.