McLean Farms, a third generation egg farming business from Queensland, purchased the 4000-acre block in July 2025, aiming to expand into Victoria, their second largest state market.
McLean Farms are one of the country’s largest egg producers, supplying almost 730 million eggs per year and making up 10 per cent of the nation’s demand.
The project includes three linked applications across the Torrumbarry and Patho area.
At Pollocks Block near Patho, McLean Farms is seeking approval for a poultry rearing facility housing up to 720,000 birds across 18 sheds.
Birds would be raised to point‑of‑lay before being transferred to the egg‑laying farms.
The T‑Block proposal, on Baillieu and Chrystal Rds at Torrumbarry, would include a cage‑free and free‑range egg farm housing up to 800,000 hens in 20 sheds, along with an on‑site composting facility.
A third application at Warwick’s Block, fronting the Murray Valley Hwy, proposes 16 sheds accommodating up to 1.28 million birds.
Economic impact reports submitted with the applications estimate the combined project would represent an investment of about $561 million, generating 474 ongoing on-site and industry jobs.
The development is forecast to contribute about $28 million annually to Victoria’s gross state product, with annual wages of about $37 million across direct and indirect employment.
All three applications are being assessed by the Department of Transport and Planning under the state’s Development Facilitation Pathway, allowing it to bypass the Campaspe Shire Council.
Campaspe Shire Council acting director of sustainability Kahlia Reid said council officers had been involved in pre‑application discussions and welcome the development.
“Council looks forward to the project receiving the necessary approvals and beginning operations.”
A Victorian Government spokesperson said the proposal is being considered on its merits, and that community members are invited to make submissions.
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