The proposed establishment of a $300 million hot chips processing facility in Victoria’s west is contingent upon the preservation of surrounding agricultural land, according to the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF). VFF President Brett Hosking expressed support for the investment but raised concerns regarding the potential conflict with other developments in the region.
During a media release on November 7, 2025, Hosking highlighted that the facility’s success hinges on a steady supply of potatoes from local growers. He pointed out that the ongoing VNI West transmission project could jeopardize this supply by impacting the production capabilities of farmers in the area.
“This facility sits within a few hundred metres of the proposed Avonbank Heavy Mineral Sands Project,” Hosking stated. “It is dependent on a constant and reliable supply of production from Victoria’s potato growers, who are currently at risk.”
Victoria ranks as Australia’s third-largest potato-growing state, producing over 263,000 tonnes annually, which constitutes 21 percent of the nation’s $1 billion potato industry. With the VNI West and other proposed transmission lines cutting through key farming areas, Hosking warned that the future of potato cultivation is under significant threat.
“There seems to be a lack of coordination among these competing projects,” he observed. “Our farmers are world leaders, producing a massive amount of productivity on an incredibly small parcel of this nation’s farmland. We must protect it before it’s gone forever.”
Hosking criticized the government’s approach, suggesting that decisions are being made without fully considering the consequences. “It feels like the government is rushing through things without properly thinking through the consequences of their decisions,” he added.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive planning strategy that acknowledges the importance of agriculture in the region. “How are we going to protect the development of both these proposals at once? There must be questions whether a mine should be located next to a food manufacturing precinct and existing critical infrastructure such as the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal,” he stated.
The VFF has called for improved consultation with affected landholders, clearer planning frameworks, and fair compensation for farmers whose livelihoods may be impacted by these developments. They stress the urgent need for a revised land use policy that balances food security with responsible resource management.
In conclusion, as Victoria contemplates the establishment of this significant hot chips processing facility, the VFF urges stakeholders to prioritize the protection of agricultural land to safeguard both local food production and the region’s economic future.
