Council & Business
26 June, 2026
Central Goldfields Shire Council consider petition surrounding debated farmland in Wareek
Central Goldfields Shire Council have received a petition seeking to rezone land for farming helping a non-compliant feed lot continue operating.
Central Goldfields Shire Council have received a petition seeking to protect a Wareek farmer’s unauthorised operation by getting the area rezoned.
Councillors considered a petition at the June council meeting which supported the ongoing use of 1234 Maryborough-St Arnaud Road as a sheep feed lot.
The petition received 414 signatures.
Central Goldfields Shire Council have taken the owner, Heath Palmer, to VCAT over the site.
The property is currently in a Rural Conservation Zone, designed to protect rural environments, which prohibits intensive animal industries.
However, a sheep feed lot was built on the site despite this which is being investigated by both Central Goldfields Shire Council and the EPA.
A council spokesperson confirmed non-compliance with the shire’s planning scheme was “ongoing” at the property.
“Council is progressing the matters related to planning compliance, including whether the use and development of the land requires appropriate approvals,” they said.
The Maryborough District Advertiser understands nearby community members have also complained about amenity impacts of the farm — including odour and run-off.
The EPA did not comment.
However, if the the area became a Farming Zone, focused on agriculture, Mr Palmer would be able to seek a permit for his existing operation.
It’d also mean, for other farmers in the zone, fewer restrictions on their operations.
Without it, as the petition states, council could take action to stop Mr Palmer using the land for intensive animal industry.
The petitioners support Mr Palmer’s bid to have all land within a Rural Conservation Zone reviewed.
“I agree that such zoning is not appropriate but rather such the land so zoned should be able to be used for permissible agricultural purposes,” the petition read.
Central Goldfields Shire Council’s planning scheme includes a planned review of how rural zones and overlays are applied.
Included in this review is the identification of appropriate locations for rural industries — including intensive animal industries.
However, while this addition dates back to 2023, mention of the broader review goes back to 2020.
“Any requests within the petition, including rezoning, will be subject to established statutory planning processes and assessment,” council’s spokesperson said.
The area was previously a Farming Zone under the Bet Bet Shire Council but was changed following amalgamation almost thirty years ago.
Across the road from Mr Palmer’s property, in the Pyrenees Shire Council, the land is still a Farming Zone.
The petition was received and noted by Central Goldfields Shire Council and referred to the CEO for consideration.
Councillor Geoff Bartlett added, however, that the recommendation did not have a summary report including the nature of the petition, as required by the governance rules.
“I’d just like to note the recommendation ... fails to include a summary report noting the nature of the petition and the number of the petitioners,” he said.
Cr Bartlett then moved an alternative motion which highlighted one of the petitioners requests.
“We note the 414 petitions received and the petitioners concerns and support for the property owners request to council for a review of all lands zoned Rural Conservation Zone,” he said.