JBS Pork Development Licence approved

Following an extensive period of review and community consultation, EPA Victoria has granted, with strict conditions, a Development Licence to JBS Pork Australia Pty Ltd to construct a new rendering plant.

The rendering plant will be located at 52-58 Pipe Road, Laverton North sourcing porcine waste from their adjacent existing abattoir. This proximity will reduce transport-related odour impacts.

The proposed facility includes construction of a rendering plant, a building to house the plant, and technology to minimise impacts to the local community.

EPA undertook an evidence-based assessment of the application under the Environment Protection Act 2017, which considered cumulative risks, relevant environmental policies, science, community and stakeholder feedback, and advice from external agencies.

EPA acknowledges community concerns particularly around odour and noise. We carefully assessed the application to ensure odour and noise risks could be minimised and managed. The community consultation informed the development of strict licence conditions which require JBS Pork Australia to install and use the best available control techniques and technologies. This includes:

• keeping the plant under negative air pressure so the odour is captured and treated
• biofilters that are appropriately sized for odour treatment
• equipment to control the noise from the site.

Under Victoria’s general environmental duty, the operators must consistently review and manage any future environmental risks.

The Development Licence is a key approval in managing the impacts of construction of the development and confirming design performance. Prior to the commencement of any operations, JBS Pork must demonstrate compliance with the strict conditions of EPA’s Development Licence and then apply for a separate EPA Operating Licence.

The development licence, including conditions, will be published on the EPA website on Friday 12 June 2026.