Environmental sustainability remains key for dairy industry
The South Australian dairy industry has undergone significant change in the past two decades with deregulation and a transition from smaller pasture-based family businesses to larger, enclosed or partially enclosed, intensively operated business with increased herd sizes.
The EPA is supportive of sustainable practices and industry development in South Australia and is seeking to work with the industry to determine the most effective approaches to protect the state’s water resources.
The EPA has reminded dairy managers and owners of the importance of adhering to the Code of Practice for Milking Shed Effluent (the Code) and the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy (the Policy).
As part of this, the EPA is undertaking a program of site visits in 2024 to assess compliance with EPA legislation, while working collaboratively with farmers on the changes necessary to ensure environmentally sustainable practices across the industry.
Dairy farm managers and owners need to ensure that the dairy farm operations have an effectively operating wastewater management system, with a tailored design suitable for each farm, to prevent risk of polluting the environment.
Any person undertaking the activity of operating a milking shed must meet the requirements of the Code to demonstrate that they are meeting their environmental obligations under the General Environmental Duty of the Environment Protection Act 1993 and Clauses 15 and 20 of the Policy.
Dairy farm managers and owners planning to upgrade to larger intensified operations such as Composted Bedded Pack Barns, Freestalls or Permanent Feedpads, should also follow the National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing.
The EPA encourages owners to seek independent advice from experienced consultants who specialise in dairy effluent design and management. The following link may assist, but is not exhaustive: Effluent system designers | Managing effluent | Dairy | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria
