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EPA Victoria has approved a Development Licence for JBS Pork Australia to construct a new rendering plant at 52–58 Pipe Road, Laverton North, following community consultation and a review of odour and noise risks. The company must meet strict conditions and obtain a separate Operating Licence before the facility can begin operations.
Strict conditions on odour
A new pork rendering plant is set to be built in Laverton North after EPA Victoria approved a Development Licence for JBS Pork Australia Pty Ltd, subject to a range of strict conditions designed to protect nearby residents from odour and noise.
The licence was granted following an extensive period of review and community consultation. The facility will be located at 52–58 Pipe Road, Laverton North, sourcing porcine waste from the company’s adjacent existing abattoir.
Wyndham TV first reported on the JBS Pork development licence application in February 2026, when the proposal to process up to 200 tonnes of pork waste per day was lodged with the EPA for assessment.
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.
Odour and noise at centre of community concerns
EPA acknowledged community concerns, particularly around odour and noise, and said it carefully assessed the application to ensure those 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. These include keeping the plant under negative air pressure so odour is captured and treated, biofilters appropriately sized for odour treatment, and equipment to control noise from the site.
The proximity of the new facility to the existing abattoir will reduce transport-related odour impacts.
Two-stage approval process
The Development Licence is the first of two approvals required before the plant can begin operations. 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.
Under Victoria’s general environmental duty, the operators must consistently review and manage any future environmental risks.
The full development licence, including all conditions, is available on the EPA’s permissions page.
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