Establishing or expanding an egg layer operation in WA

Design considerations

• Community amenity. There is a separation distance calculation specific to egg laying operations that should be used to determine the separation distance required between the operation and the nearest sensitive receptors.

• Surface water protection. This is achieved by catching and containing wastewater from the operation, normally through the use of drains and ponds.

• Groundwater protection. For indoor operations, constructing an impermeable liner under infrastructure is the most effective way to protect groundwater.

• Clearing. If clearing is necessary in establishing or expanding a cattle feedlot, please visit the WA State Government website [1] for more information.

Regulatory obligations

• Egg layer operations of any size need to seek planning approval through their Shire/City. To understand the requirements of planning approval for your shire, it is recommended that you speak to the Planning Officer (or CEO) as early as possible.

Industry guidelines and additional resources

Guidelines that should be considered when you are planning to establish or expand an egg layer operation include:

• Egg Industry Environmental Guidelines (Australian Eggs) [2]

• National Farm Biosecurity Technical Manual for Egg Production [3]

• ABD Guideline: How to Prepare a Solid Waste Management Plan [4]

• ABD Guideline: Land Application of Solid Animal By-Products [5]

Other resources that can assist include:

• Regulations [6]

• Egg Standard (Food Standards Australia/New Zealand) [7]

Key contacts

The following are valuable points of contact within the egg industry:

• Australian Eggs [8]

• Commercial Egg Producers Association of WA (CEPA) [9] - contact email [10] 

• Egg Farmers of Australia [11]

For further information or advice, please contact Agribusiness Development at agribusiness@dpird.wa.gov.au [12]