Licensed Premises Application

When production commences the applicant wishes to supply and sell the produce of the orchard.as an alcoholic beverage. A planning permit is required before applying to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation for a Wine and Beer Producers licence. As such this application identifies a shed being constructed as the area to be licenced as a cellar door to supply such sales to the public (see red line plan).

Cellar Door

The small cellar door will be established within this buildings to provide a 'shop-window' for the business. This cellar door may attract between 0 -15 vehicles per day depending on the season. Vehicle parking will be provided for at least 15 vehicles without any difficulty ( 30 people per day).lt is anticipated this business will be open seven days a week year round. The normal trading hours would be 10 am until Spm.The site is located at least 200m away from the nearest neighbour and will therefore have negligible impact on them.

It is predicted that volumes of production will be around 30000 litres of cider a year. It would be sold mainly through wholesalers, with smaller quantities through the cellar door. The remainder will be aged and sold in future years.

Permanent occupation of the site is required to provide security to this infrastructure and the associated volumes of alcohol that will be stored at this location. All alcohol will be stored in locked shipping containers accessed through locked sheds.

Facilities may be required in these sheds for potential employees during the busy periods of work. These facilities may include toilets, shower and kitchen/lunch room in the future.

Road Access (see plan)

The proposal uses the existing farm access road, which has remained in continuous use for in excess of 20

years. It provides access to existing sheds and extensive stockyards, such that previous vehicle types supported include cattle trucks and large hay trailers, (multi axle vehicles) as is standard for normal farming operations. The swept path of the driveway is comfortably adequate to cater for these turning large vehicles,

as it has done continuously.

The proposed business would result in a minor increase of traffic using the access, including infrequent and small scale deliveries (light) trucks/vans and couriers (wholesale). In addition, it's anticipated there will be between 0 - 15 cars visiting the cellar door as a range for daily visits, including the peak summer days/public holidays. This is based on similar volumes experienced by Windy Ridge Winery (cellar door), also on the Foster-Fish Creek Rd nearby.

The site's access road benefits from the exceptional visibility, with approximately 600 metres of viewing distance for both vehicles departing and approaching the access road from north and southbound directions

see plan). This exceeds all safe stopping sight distances required for vehicles at the slowest (2.5s) reaction time

The adjacent roadside clear zone to the sites access is flat, there are no apparent inlet or outlet points for the installation of a culvert to improve the channelized runoff water flow within vicinity of the sites access.'

S.G.S.C. Strategic Plan

Relevance to Planning Application 343 Fish Creek Foster Rd

Strategies and Indicators

OUTCOME 1. A Prosperous Shire

Objective 1.1: Work with the business community to support existing businesses, diversify employment opportunities and to attract new businesses.

This application and associated new business clearly meets the Shires objective to attract new business. Initially this small scale business could grow to a medium business that will be a significant local employer. The proposed business while agricultural in output may also be an attraction to tourist encouraging local visitation and visitor stay duration in local towns.

Strategy 1.1.1: We will actively plan fo r growth and economic development.

This development clearly fits into the Shires Rural Planning Policy permitting appropriate growth and economic development while significantly benefiting the agricultural productivity of the land in the farming

zone.

Strategy 1.1.2: We will protect and retain the unique identity of town, villages and farming districts.

The proposed development will enhance the local environment by revegetating a significant portion of the land. It is on the edge of the township boundary of Foster so helps to retain the identity of the town /rural interface.

Strategy 1.1.3: We will actively encourage sustainable development and growth of agriculture, industry and commercial business.

The application is for a small footprint development that enables a significant increase in agricultural productivity and sustainable development and growth of a commercial business on the associated land. The business model is based on sustainable development principles with agricultural systems that use low energy systems and maximise the bio-dynamic principles of soil fertility to increase productivity of the land.

Strategy 1.1.4: We will promote and encourage tourism through development support.

At the heart of this application is the principle of linking agricultural productivity and the tourism industry. The development of a commercial cidery clearly makes this link. This application also makes important links to the Great Southern Rail Trail that it is adjacent to and will become an important tourism stop off along the trail.

Objective 1.2: Raise the awareness of local and regional issues with State and Federal decision makers.

It is anticipated that the business will grow in profile to become an iconic local agricultural/tourism business As such it will increase the profile of local and regional issues with decision makers.

Strategy 1.2.1: We will advocate for effective integrated transport connectivity for people and freight.

This proposal is on the edge of the township of Foster and on the rail trail so accessible by foot, cycle, horse and public transport.

Strategy 1.2.2: We will advocate fo r priority projects that assist in stimulating economic growth, agricultural development, tourism infrastructure and community facilities.

As discussed this application clearly fits into the policy of assisting to stimulate growth in both the agricultural industry and tourism infrastructure. It is also probably one of the first applications for a business that will have direct links onto the rail trail. This clearly fits into the Shires strategic vision for the development of this important community/tourist infrastructure. It is hoped that once established the rail trail can benefit from such businesses through innovative partnerships

Objective 1.3: Improve the sustainability of the local and regional environment

The development of low energy blo-dynamic systems within the orchard together with an off grid power system will help to illustrate that local business can be successful and sustainable. We feel this is an ideal location to be able to demonstrate to the public and other businesses that this is possible

Strategy 1.3.1: We will actively engage businesses, farmers, industries and individuals in creating a clean,

green Shire, where environmental sustainability is embraced and practiced.

As identified above we believe this business to be in a ideal position to link agriculture and tourism in a sustainable best practice partnership. We will be able to embrace and practice environmentally sustainable systems including biodynamic farming with energy efficiency in an agri-tourism environment.

Strategy 1.3.2: We will promote sustainable waste management practices, energy efficiency and management o f our natural resources.

All waste will be treated on site and all energy created and maintained through remote power systems, It is proposed that the enterprise will be net Zero Energy and Carbon neutral offset by the trees planted on the block

This may be one the first of such industries in the district.

S.G.S.C. Rural Dwellings Policy

Application For Dwelling 343Fish Creek Foster Road

This report aims to establish the fact that this application complies with S.G.S.0 Rural Planning Policy.

The primary aim of this application is to establish a long term, highly productive agricultural enterprise on this block of land. The attached business plan clearly articulates the agricultural justification for the business.

The proposal will significantly benefit the agricultural land by increasing productivity per hectare from the change in land use from dairy out paddock to a cider apple orchard system. The long term investment in agricultural infrastructure and soil improvements undertaken on this land will ensure the land is maintained at the highest possible productivity in perpetuity for agricultural production.

The proposal is designed to minimise the impact on the landscape and environment by replanting large

areas of trees on the property. The net result will be an application that enhances the landscape of the local landscape and environment. Considerable effort has been taken to liaise with neighbours and design facilities that minimise landscape impacts for this application. The development area has been carefully selected to keep the buildings in the centre of the block. This minimises any possible impacts to others and improves efficiency by minimising transportation of produce to the production sheds. This development area is also the driest area during the winter.

The proposed development is adjacent to the Foster Town boundary and as such provides cost—effective servicing by avoiding dispersal of populations away from towns.

We understand and support the need for consistent development in these rural areas to protect the agricultural land use. We believe this application is in line with other applications that have been approved for similar agricultural enterprises.

The proposed development does not have any adverse impact on existing or future agricultural activities on surrounding land. The dwelling will not be adversely impacted on by surrounding agricultural activities. It can strongly be argued that the application with its tree planting and revegetation adjacent to the rail trail/Foster Fish Creek Road will have a beneficial impact on the environmental characteristics of the area.

This application is a significant long term agricultural venture that has no link to the previous holding.

The attached business plan clearly shows the need to have an on site residence to manage the business needs.

The access to the dwelling will be serviced by an all weather road designed to meet emergency requirements. The dwellings waste water will be treated on site to E.P.A. standards. Water will be provided from roof catchment water tanks. Power will be provided by stand alone solar systems.

Site Analysis 343 Fish Creek Foster Road

Topography

The land lies on the edge of Foster in an area that undulates slightly. There are slight slopes on the block that have a Northerly aspect but the majority of the land slopes slightly to the South.

Immediately on the Southern boundary to the block is the Great Southern Rail trail.

Soil

The soil is a deep organic acidic loam. Once cultivated and limed the soil will meet the required needs of the orchard. Sub soil ripping, fertilisers and biodynamic principles will enhance the ground's longer term agricultural productivity.

Native Vegetation

The land benefits from having % km frontage to the Rail Trail. This area is dominated by a corridor of lowland Strzelecki forest. This vegetation encroaches onto the farm by several metres in places. It is intended to maintain and enhance this additional buffer for the trail. There is an area of Pine tree infestation on the rail trail boudary. We intend to work with the rail trail Committee of Management to remove these weeds.

Along the Northern boundary of the block adjacent to the Foster- Fish Creek Road there is another small

area of native vegetation. Further re-vegetation along this boundary is planned to enhance the area.

Sequential annual orchard planting will occur over the next 5 years.

These improvements will be phased across the land as it is planted in the future.

Existing Buildings

There is one small existing shed adjacent to the access on the Northern boundary.

Services

Telephone and power are available on the Northern boundary adjacent to the Fish Creek Foster Road.

Farm Business plan for the development of a commercial orchard at

343 Fish Creek Foster Road

The applicant wishes to develop a commercial orchard to grow speciality cider apples with the aim

of producing an iconic Prom Country Cider.

Topography

The land lies on the edge of Foster in an area that undulates slightly. There are slight slopes on the

block that have a Northerly aspect but the majority of the land slopes slightly to the South.

Immediately on the Southern boundary to the block is the Great Southern Rail trail.

Soil

The soil is a deep organic acidic loam. Once cultivated and limed the soil will meet the required

needs of the orchard. Sub soil ripping, fertilisers and biodynamic principles will enhance the grounds

longer term agricultural productivity.

Native Vegetation

The land benefits from having ¾ km frontage to the Rail Trail. This area is dominated by a corridor of

lowland Strzelecki forest. This vegetation encroaches onto the farm by several metres in places. It is

intended to maintain this additional buffer for the trail. There is an area of Pine tree infestation on

the rail trail. We intend to work with the rail trail Committee of Management to remove these

weeds.

Further re-vegetation is planned on the Northern boundary adjacent to the Foster- Fish Creek road.

Sequential annual orchard planting will occur over the next 5 years.

These improvements will be phased across the land as it is planted in the future.

Pest Plant /Animals

The farm has a low level of infestation by blackberries on its boundaries. We intend to work with the

rail trail committee to eliminate blackberry from our common boundary. Small amounts of English

Broom and the Pines (as discussed) will also be targeted for removal.

Weeds will be controlled by herbicide and physical removal.

Rabbits will need to be controlled to prevent damage to the young trees. This work will be

undertaken by the laying of Pindone bait trails by the owner. Deer may also be an issue with their

browse impact.

Fruit bats and Parakeets will be monitored for their impact and netting will be used to prevent their

damage to the crops.

Proposed Land Use

The aim is to initially establish approximately three hectares of heritage cider apples and pears.

There will be over 16 heritage species planted in the first year, with further varieties/areas planted

in subsequent years. The trees have been ordered from local heritage orchard specialists with 80

two year old trees and 790 one year old whips already grafted for this orchard. The varieties have

been ordered on two different root stocks to ensure the optimum possible production for the local

environment. The choice of varieties was carefully undertaken after extensive consultation with the

local heritage apple specialist. These trees will be planted in June and July next year (2016).

The varieties include the following on both MM111 and MM106 rootstock:-Kingston Black, Bulmers

Norman, Champ Gaillard, Dabinett, Eggleston Styre, Egremont Russet, Forfar Pippin, Frequin Rouge,

Golden Harvey, Improved Foxwhelp, Jaunet, Michelin, Ribston Pippin, Somerset Redstreak, Sweet

Coppin, Yarlington Mill.

A small area of Blueberries will be established during this first year ( 1 hectare total).

The diversity of varieties will give phased fruiting and picking to give an extended season. This

diversity also reduces the risk of pathogen attacks.

Apples trees will be planted on a semi intensive orchard design at 6 m row spaces and 3m between

trees. This equates to nearly 300 trees per hectare.

During the winter there is a daily need to inspect the trees for pest damage, to check tree tie points

onto the trellis and check for other physical damage. Plants will be mulched with organic matter to

help reduce weed issues and improve soil fertility/water retention.

In this period the whole orchard will need to be pruned to maintain a central leader system. This will

take one person a significant number of days to complete. Pre bud emergence on the apple trees

the ground will need a full weed control treatment to prevent competition for water completion

during the season.

As the growing season begins and the buds begin to establish and sprouting occurs unwanted shoots

need to be removed from the young trees to ensure the grafted rootstock does not develop into

leaders.

As the flowers develop and fruit starts to grow excess apples need to be removed to about 30 apples

/tree to stop the natural desire of the heritage varieties to become biennial.

Each hectare of fruit will have the potential to produce over 10000 litres of juice/cider. From the

three hectares of fruit over 30000 litres of juice /cider may be produced. Subsequent planting and

orchard development will follow according to the business growth. It is estimated that at peak cider

production and sales, at least 20 ha may be planted in total to apples. This growth is dependent on

meeting reasonable business targets over time. .

The balance of the land will initially be agisted for grazing or hay. This grazing area will reduce as

more trees are planted.

Fencing

Work will be undertaken on boundary fences and internal fences to secure the orchard from the

grazed area. Fencing /trellis will be required for the apple rows.

Infrastructure

This project requires significant investment. A residence is required as well as several sheds and

structures to facilitate the development and on-going running of the business.

The existing shed at the entrance to the property will be retained for storage of apple crates and hay

bales. A new farm shed is at present being constructed under permitted development for the

storage of farm machinery and fencing equipment for the apple plantings. A third shed is being

applied for in this application for the processing of the apples, storage and bottling /cellar door.

The applicant has to be on site to be able to monitor and manage the daily processes including:-

-The orchard management, including monitoring the condition of trees and their daily requirements.

This includes monitoring soil moisture deficits daily. Supplying water to plants as required from large

water tanks, managing water delivery systems and ensuring all are in operation.

-The measuring of morning and evening site temperatures is essential to determine the chill factor

and its associated impact on fruiting and development of the different varieties established.

-Further works include the regular mowing of grass and weed.

-Trees will require constant maintenance and pruning and additional fruit thinning due to the

biannual nature of many of the heritage varieties.

-Daily management of pests and diseases including daily inspection of trees for scab or other foliar

pathogens is required.

- Checking the condition of fruits.

-Provide netting as required and twice daily net checks to prevent bird damage.

-Night time rabbit/other pests spotlight counts and rabbit control programs to protect the trees. It

will be particularly important to have a night time presence to prevent fruit bat attack.

-Daily management of propagation and development of new plants through grafting is an important

process. Running polythene tunnels to assist with development of new trees once grafted.

-Management of irrigation system in polythene tunnels to facilitate this works.

Apple Processing

Each of the varieties of apples and pears will be picked sequentially as they ripen. The apples will be

pressed on site and the juice put into a fermentation bin in a stable temperature store. The apple

pulp will be either composted or sold to dairy farmers as a feed supplement. Depending on the

temperature and variety of apples the fermentation will be completed within 10- 20 days. Once

completed the cider is placed into containers in the cool store area to age and mature.

The practical implications of this process means that during a period of about 12 weeks a year

different varieties will be being picked, processed, fermented and placed into storage. The

fermentation processes involves the hourly sampling and testing of apple juice (pH, temperature,

sugars, CO2 and other titrations) to facilitate the adjustments of biochemical pathways in the

process as required. As the cider develops it requires further testing dropping to twice daily. The

management of the fermentation process for 30,000 litres of cider is a complex and involved task

that requires careful scientific monitoring that can only be achieved by being on site 24/7. Small

variations in the biochemical reaction that are not corrected can be catastrophic and mean the loss

of a batch of cider.

The different varieties and batches will then be mixed to taste prior to be being bottled/carbonated

or placed in casks for sale.

It is critical to be on site to manage the temperature of the apple juice as it ferments and make

adjustments as required. This process may involve physically opening and closing shed ventilation

and or switching cooling systems off and on.

The apple juice is fermented in large vats that can be up to 3m tall, the sheds will need to

accommodate up to 20 of these containers.

Specialist machinery

A specialised hydraulic press will be used to pulp and press the apples. Small electric pumps will be

used to move the apple juice into fermentation tanks. Pasteurising and bagging is undertaken by

single operator machinery. Bottling is done by hand controlled small bottle unit. All the machinery is

low noise emission ( no decibel restrictions) and therefore no implications for neighbours. This

machinery will be mainly used 8 am to 6pm over a three month period. A Voran packing press 100P2

(600kg/hr), Voran Bag filler MBF500 and a Voran 4 position bottle filler (350l/hr) will be used for this

operation.

A shed is being constructed ( permitted development) to accommodate specialist farm implements

and machinery storage. This includes tractors, cultivators, mowers, spray units and other small plant

and equipment.

In addition another shed will also be required to process and store juice extracted, and to bottle the

product. Picked apples will need to be stored out of the elements to hold them prior to juice

extraction. This shed forms part of this application.

The existing old shed will be used to store the hundreds of apple crates required.

Licensed Premises Application

When production commences the applicant wishes to supply and sell the produce of the orchard.as

an alcoholic beverage. A planning permit is required before applying to the Victorian Commission for

Gambling and Liquor Regulation for a Wine and Beer Producers licence. As such this application

identifies a shed being constructed as the area to be licenced as a cellar door to supply such sales to

the public (see red line plan).

Cellar Door

The small cellar door will be established within this buildings to provide a ‘shop-window‘ for the

business. It is anticipated that it may take up to 3 years to develop the cellar door and it will come

online as the trees get to fruiting maturity (3-5 years). This cellar door may attract between 0 -15

vehicles per day depending on the season. Vehicle parking will be provided for at least 15 vehicles

without any difficulty ( 30 people per day).It is anticipated this business will be open seven days a

week year round. The normal trading hours would be 10 am until 5pm.The site is located at least

200m away from the nearest neighbour and will therefore have negligible impact on them.

It is predicted that volumes of production will be around 30000 litres of cider a year. It would be sold

mainly through wholesalers, with smaller quantities through the cellar door. The remainder will be

aged and sold in future years.

Permanent occupation of the site is required to provide security to this infrastructure and the

associated volumes of alcohol that will be stored at this location. All alcohol will be stored in locked

shipping containers accessed through locked sheds.

Facilities may be required in these sheds for potential employees during the busy periods of work.

These facilities may include toilets, shower and kitchen/lunch room in the future.

Applicants

Much cider in Australia (80%) is made from imported fruit concentrate derived from eating apples.

The applicant originally came from Somerset in England, the home of traditional cider making. All

cider will be produced using only traditional heritage apple varieties locally sourced and sustainably

managed. Our aim is to produce authentic high quality cider from locally grown apples.

The owners of the business have BSc (Hons) Agricultural Science, BSc (Hons) Crop Protection and

Graduate of Cider Academy, U.K.

Water

There are several existing dams on the farm and a few disused old dams. It is proposed to make

good the existing dams and to create a few new dams.

The objective of the water plan is to collect and hold the water on the land to help keep the water

table high. Small ephemeral areas will be created to achieve this. These areas will have a significant

benefit to the wildlife in the area.

No irrigation is planned from these dams. Water will be collected in large rainwater tanks from the

sheds available.

Site

The site has been carefully selected to be able to develop an iconic Prom branded image that will

have state wide significance. The site has good exposure to the Prom Road and Fish Creek - Foster

road and therefore maximises its potential tourism market. In addition it benefits from having direct

exposure to the rail trail and potential business from such location. It is anticipated that the site will

become a destination for cyclists, walkers and horse riders using the trail. The site is close to Foster

and will benefit from that proximity as a local venue.

The 70 acres selected has the potential to provide for the initial set up phases for the agricultural

infrastructure and allows for the growth anticipated in this business. Current market trends in cider

consumption show that significant growth is still expected in the domestic market.

It is anticipated that once established this business will be a seasonal employer of at least 2 local

people and possibly two full time staff having a range of skills.

It is hoped that a cellar door will value add to the existing South Gippsland wine trail and contribute

to making the Foster region more attractive to tourists, encouraging extended visitor stays in the

local area.

Road Access (see plan)

The proposal uses the existing farm access road, which has remained in continuous use for in excess

of 20 years. It provides access to existing sheds and extensive stockyards, such that previous vehicle

types supported include cattle trucks and large hay trailers, (multi axle vehicles) as is standard for

normal farming operations. The swept path of the driveway is comfortably adequate to cater for

these turning large vehicles, as it has done continuously.

The proposed business would result in a minor increase of traffic using the access, including

infrequent and small scale deliveries (light) trucks/vans and couriers (wholesale). In addition, it's

anticipated there will be between 0 - 15 cars visiting the cellar door as a range for daily visits

including the peak summer days/public holidays. This is based on similar volumes experienced by

Windy Ridge Winery (cellar door), also on the Foster-Fish Creek Rd nearby.

The site's access road benefits from the exceptional visibility, with approximately 600 metres of

viewing distance for both vehicles departing and approaching the access road from north and

southbound directions ( see plan). This exceeds all safe stopping sight distances required for vehicles

at the slowest (2.5s) reaction time.

The adjacent roadside clear zone to the sites access is flat, there are no apparent inlet or outlet

points for the installation of a culvert to improve the channelized runoff water flow within vicinity of

the sites access.'

The driveway associated with this access has been positioned away from the neighbours boundary

and will be planted with native screening vegetation to minimise impact on the neighbours

property (see plan).

Dam Schedule

The aim of the water plan for the property is to try to catch winter surface run off to hold it on the

land by created ephemeral wetland areas. By their nature these will tend to be shallower than

normal dams and aim to provide a benefit by maintaining a higher water table in the summer on the

area. These areas are also important for native wildlife and will be managed for such.

All dams are situated well off main rivers with all proposed dam walls under 4m in height and a

volume of less than 2 Mega litres as below (see plan).

Dam 1 Situated adjacent to drive 20m x15m x 3m = 900m3

Dam 2 Situated at end of contour drain 20mx 10 m x4m =800m3

Dam 3 Situated adjacent to rail trail 20m x10m x4m =800m3

Apple Tree/ Blueberry Scheduling of Planting

The scheduling of the planting of the orchard is roughly illustrated on the relevant plan.

The main area of initial planting is on the Southerly aspect of the block above the rail trail. This is to

ensure the trees receive the maximum number of ‘chill hours’ to establish the best possible fruit

setting of the plants during flowering.

It is difficult at this stage to be precise with geographic locations because during cultivation

preparation for planting there will be the need to be flexible to take into account the local soil

conditions ( drainage topsoil depth, compaction etc). Existing soil surveys and profiling indicate the

850 trees for initial planting will be able to be accommodated in the area shown in the plan. It is

estimated there will be a total of 2.5 km of tree rows planted for this set up phase.

Future planting will aim to run off the flanks of this initial area to the property boundary as shown

on the attached plan.

Blue berry plantings will aim to be established adjacent to the main orchard area ( see plan).

It is anticipated that in the future up to 70 % of the property could be planted to cider fruits trees.

Roadside Signage

Roadside signage will be required to identify the business location. Approval is sought to erect a

roadside sign as shown on the attached plan. Detailed design and wording is illustrated on the main

site plan. “Prom Country Cidery” will be supplemented with the brand name once released.

Map Produced using Parks Victoria’s ParkView Mapping System Thursday, 7 January 2016 at 8:24:12 AM Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA94). Map produced by Parks Victoria. This map supersedes all previous editions. Data source acknowledgements:

State Digital MapBase, Victorian Flora Site Database & Atlas of Victorian Wildlife

© The State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment The contribution of the Royal Botanical Gardens Melbourne to the database is

acknowledged. Spatial Vision VicMap Books © Spatial Vision Pty Ltd 2007

For Internal Use Only.

Planning Application

343Fish Creek Foster Rd

SCALE 1:3179