Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has a one stop shop for online advice for the agricultural community, and is taking requests on what farmers need next.
EPA Executive Director Damian Wells says there's already a lot of useful information in the Agricultural Guidance section of EPA's website.
"We aim to support farmers; equipped with the right advice, farmers can manage the farm in a way that minimises harm to the environment and human health, meets Victorian regulations, and helps them to pass on their farms to the next generation in good condition," Mr Wells said.
"Victoria's $13 billion agricultural sector is very broad and we want to ensure our advice meets farmers' needs. That's why we're encouraging them to tell us where they need greater support," he said.
"Our Agricultural Guidance page includes a simple, two-minute survey that gives farmers an easy way to ask for the environmental advice they most value."
EPA's advice for agricultural community is available online at: www.epa.vic.gov.au/business-and-industry/guidelines/agricultural-guidance
It offers useful advice on protecting the environment and human health, and meeting Victorian law and regulations, on:
Livestock planning, including
- odour modelling for broiler farms
- separation distances between farming and homes or public buildings
- approvals for large scale saleyards, piggeries, feedlots or animal holding depots
Farm waste including:
- solid waste including silage wrap
- effluent
- dead stock
- old batteries
- building compost facilities
- waste tyres
- farm chemicals and containers
Chemicals, including:
- oils and fuels
- cleaning/maintenance chemicals
- chemical storage
Noise, including generators and other fixed sources
Water, including risk management for reusing water
Sediment and dust, including from:
- dams, basins and holding ponds
- roads/tracks and earthworks
Anyone involved in agricultural activities is invited to make a request or provide feedback via the survey, at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EPAwebpagereview
Farmers and members of the public can report pollution to EPA's 24 hour hotline, by calling 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).
