Rivalea Announces Plans for State Significant Development Projects in Federation Council, NSW

Rivalea Australia, one of Australia’s leading pork producers, is inviting community input as it undertakes a State Significant Development (SSD) projects to modernise its farming operations in Federation Council area, NSW.

The SSD projects focus on upgrading Rivalea’s existing facilities and establishing new facilities in Federation council area to enhance commitments to sustainability, animal welfare and biosecurity. As part of this initiative, Rivalea will engage the community through open communication channels to ensure transparency and address community priorities during the development process.

The projects include plans to replace existing infrastructure with modern facilities and also establish new sites, integrating best practice systems for animal welfare, air quality, wastewater management, and also improving employee’s workplace and safety. These upgrades aim to enhance Rivalea’s contribution to local agriculture, support regional food security, and foster sustainable practices that benefit our employees, our pigs, environment and the community.

Rivalea is committed to ongoing consultation with the local community throughout the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) development processes that will commence in mid-2025. Feedback from the community will shape key elements of the projects and ensure alignment with community and other JBS-Rivalea stakeholder needs and values.

Edison Alvares, JBS Australia’s Pork Division Chief Operating Officer (COO), emphasised the importance of collaborating with the community to deliver meaningful outcomes.

“These projects are about more than upgrading our facilities—it’s about reaffirming our roots in the Corowa area, creating lasting benefits for the local community and the surrounding region. By working closely with stakeholders, we aim to enhance our team’s welfare, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and food security for Australia,” Mr. Alvares said.

The projects support Rivalea’s role as a key player in the Australian pork industry, contributing over 15% of the nation’s domestic pork production. As part of the JBS Australia group, part of the world’s largest meat producer, Rivalea benefits from significant investment in innovation, best practices and sustainability.

Key benefits of the project include:

• Environmental Stewardship: Improved nutrient recycling systems upgraded wastewater treatment, and best-practice air quality (odour) and water management to minimise impacts on the environment.
• Economic Contributions: Supporting local farmers through grain partnerships and effluent recycling, creating construction jobs, and maintaining Rivalea’s commitment to local procurement.
• Biosecurity Enhancements: Separating breeding and growing operations to increase biosecurity profile and safeguard the sustainability of Australia’s pork supply.
• Staff Experience: Newly constructed facilities with enhance safety outcomes and improve staff experience by improving ventilation, safe handling systems and focus on providing clean hygienic working environment.

Rivalea encourages community members to share their feedback and learn more about the projects. Information sessions and consultation events will be announced in the coming weeks. Updates will be posted on the website: https://www.rivalea.com.au/What-We-Do/JBS-Rivalea-Pork-Farm-Development

“Corowa is a vital part of our operations, and we’re committed to ensuring that these projects benefit the local community and the environment for years to come,” added Mr. Alvares. “We look forward to collaborating with local stakeholders to make these projects a success.”