PROJECT PLAN — Community Egg Production for Food Security

Location: Lot 220 Mahoon Rd, Cocos Keeling Islands
Duration: Aug 2025 – Dec 2029
Funding: $800,000 (RJED Grant)
Staffing: 1 Full-Time Poultry Manager + 2 Part-Time Assistants

PHASE 1 — PREPARATION & APPROVALS (Aug 2025 – Dec 2025)

Goal: Secure all permits, finalise site setup plans, order materials/equipment.

  1. Regulatory & Compliance

    • Submit and secure Development Application approval from Shire1. 2 DA Intro Letter – ….

    • Finalise biosecurity protocols with DPIRD WA.

    • Obtain annual Council Health Approval (egg grading, waste, animal welfare).

    • Liaise with DWER on water table & waste management setbacks20250326 Tony Lacy Coco….

  2. Site Planning & Design

    • Internal fit-out design for 3-bay farm shed:

      • Climate-adapted free-range housing20250326 Tony Lacy Coco….

      • Concrete base & coconut husk litter.

      • Nesting frames, roosts, feeders & waterers.

    • Identify fencing requirements (may operate with undercover feed stations & limited fencing1. 2 DA Intro Letter – …).

    • Plan composting site for 30 tonnes/year manure output20250326 Tony Lacy Coco….

    • Design signage for agricultural site & visitor interpretation.

  3. Procurement & Logistics

    • Engage electrical contractor for trenching, cabling & fit-out.

    • Order dehumidifying feed storage unit.

    • Secure supplier contracts for:

      • Commercial layer feed (bulk containers every 6 months).

      • Egg cartons (1-year supply per shipment).

      • Fertile eggs or day-old chicks (pending transport policy changes).

    • Establish transport schedule to avoid wet season delays.

PHASE 2 — INFRASTRUCTURE SETUP (Nov 2025 – Mar 2026)

Goal: Build and equip facility, ready for initial flock.

  1. Farm Shed Conversion

    • Install nesting boxes & roosting areas.

    • Set up free-range paddocks (5,000 m² in sections for rotation20250326 Tony Lacy Coco…).

    • Build composting facility offsite under cover.

    • Install cyclone-rated structural elements & bird safety measures.

  2. Feed & Water Systems

    • Set up dehumidifying storage for feed.

    • Install automatic waterers with backup tank supply.

    • Fit fans for heat stress mitigation; plan night feeding schedule.

  3. Waste & Mortality Management

    • Develop manure removal and compost sales plan.

    • Finalise dead bird disposal process (incinerator for disease culls).

PHASE 3 — OPERATIONS LAUNCH (Apr 2026 – Dec 2026)

Goal: Begin trial flock operations, establish local egg supply chain.

  1. Staff Recruitment & Training

    • Recruit 1 Trainee Poultry Manager (full-time).

    • Recruit 2 Part-Time Assistants.

    • Begin AHC30510 Certificate III & online poultry trainingApplication Information….

    • Training in biosecurity, welfare, and grading standards.

  2. First Flock Introduction

    • Receive & quarantine chicks/fertile eggs.

    • Implement vaccination program (Mareks, Salmonella, IB, others as needed).

    • Brooding until point-of-lay (~18 weeks).

  3. Production Start

    • Year 1 target: 100–200 hens, 50–65% laying capacity20250326 Tony Lacy Coco….

    • Collect, clean, quality check, and package eggs daily.

    • Weekly deliveries to Shamrocks & WI Supermarket.

PHASE 4 — SCALE-UP & OPTIMISATION (2027–2028)

Goal: Expand flock, refine operations, explore value-added products.

  1. Flock Expansion

    • Year 2: 200–300 hens.

    • Year 3: 300–400 hens.

    • Maintain replacement flock for attrition (15% extra birds).

  2. Production & Sales

    • Target 300+ eggs/day by Year 3.

    • Strengthen partnerships with hospitality sector.

    • Explore supply to Christmas Island supermarkets.

  3. Value-Added Diversification

    • Test liquid egg products.

    • Develop compost fertiliser packaging & sales.

  4. Operational Efficiency

    • Review feed storage performance (minimise spoilage).

    • Monitor water quality quarterly.

    • Adjust paddock rotation for ground cover health.

PHASE 5 — LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY (2029 onward)

Goal: Achieve financial self-sufficiency and potential regional expansion.

  1. Financial Viability

    • Reduce dependence on grant funding by 2029.

    • Maintain profitability via egg, compost, and byproduct sales.

  2. Community Development

    • Continue local employment and training.

    • Partner with schools for agricultural projects.

  3. Expansion

    • Consider Christmas Island supply.

    • Explore mobile egg trailers for direct sales.

RISK MANAGEMENT

  • Heat Stress: Fans, night feeding, shaded areas.

  • Feed Spoilage: Dehumidified storage, shipping in dry months.

  • Water Quality: Backup tanks, filtration if needed.

  • Disease Outbreak: Quarantine, vaccination, incinerator access.

  • Cyclones: Secure housing for birds & feed.