{
  "id": 14554848,
  "title": "Automated feedlot proposal draws community ire in Victoria's south-east",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/automated-feedlot-proposal-draws-community-ire-in-victorias-south-east",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T22:40:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-15/victoria-automated-feedlot-concerns-gippsland/106922316"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A proposal to create Victoria's first underground, automated cattle feedlot has sparked community opposition in Gippsland. Nearly 700 people have signed a petition against the plan, citing concerns about road safety and odour. Wellington Shire Council is currently assessing the application, with a decision possibly not until next year. The proposed feedlot would house 2,206 cattle in enclosed sheds and cycle them through feeding on a 90-day schedule before processing. Businessman Angus Zilm, the proposal's proponent, argues the feedlot would bring advanced cattle feeding technology to Gippsland, benefiting animal welfare and environmental management. However, local resident Nick Lee, speaking for his neighbors, called for the application to be rejected, citing increased traffic, noise, odour, and potential environmental and health concerns. Wellington Shire Council's chief executive, David Morcom, said a decision on the application will likely not be made until next year, as the proposal is complex and requires further discussion. Feedlot industry expert John Webb-Ware noted the industry's growth and efficiency in supplying Australian beef markets, but emphasized that feedlots must meet stringent criteria to address potential impacts on surrounding properties.",
  "summary": "A Victorian farmer has submitted a proposal to create one of the state's first undercover, automated feedlots, drawing criticism from locals who are citing concerns about road safety and odour.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}