New Kyneton farmers aiming to be among Australia’s largest Shropshire sheep breeders are fighting to build in the Farm Zone to realise their dreams.
The Pinto family seeks to build shedding, water tank and a family home but their property falls under the 40ha build requirement for the zone.
Farm plans present a vision for a biodynamic, regenerative and sustainable Shropshire sheep stud with a commitment to promote and conserve a heritage breed.
Earlier this month, property owner Vinitha Pinto told Macedon Ranges Shire councillors the development would support their farm activities.
“Integrated holistic management of the stud requires intensive work effort,” Ms Pinto said.
“There are many daily tasks needed to run a stud along with daily checks on animal welfare and infrastructure.”
Ms Pinto said, as new entrants to the farming industry, they purchased land as a blank canvas with no farming infrastructure, pasture improvements or weed management for decades.
The farm management plan is already under way with several new paddocks established, irrigation and replacement of old boundary fences. They are now working to improve the soil.
Currently, the family is running a reduced stud with 100 ewes and seven rams of the breed they said has limited bloodlines in Australia.
Adjoining land to the north and east comprises Farm Zone land with dwellings for associated agricultural use. Land to the west is Rural Living with smaller developed lots.
The application attracted two objections relating to the visual bulk of the dwelling, lack of justification for building in the Farm Zone, noise and amenity expectations of future residents.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council is expected to make a decision on the matter at its June Planning Delegated Committee Meeting.
