Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, or DEECA, manages a range of sites and infrastructure requirements across the state. Its construction projects include everything from labs and offices through to specialist agricultural facilities.
For one such project at a dairy research site in Ellinbank, DEECA needed a purpose-built roofing structure for an open feedlot used to house dairy cattle. The site is managed by Agriculture Victoria and plays an important role in industry and bovine research, including studies into animal welfare, methane reduction and sustainable farming practices.
Trusteel was proud to be trusted with the end-to-end fabrication and delivery of this shed solution.
Download the project brochure (pdf)
About the Client
DEECA is a Victorian Government department responsible for a wide range of infrastructure and environmental, agricultural and climate-related activities across the state.
The Ellinbank dairy research site is managed by Agriculture Victoria and supports active research programs involving livestock, sustainable farming practices, methane reduction and animal welfare.
Because the site remained operational throughout the project, any new structure needed to support the research environment without interrupting farm activity or compromising livestock operations.
The Challenge
DEECA needed a large, functional roofing structure for an open cattle feedlot.
The structure had to protect livestock, support future solar infrastructure and integrate with the site’s existing concrete foundations. It also needed to be built to exacting measurements, with specific spacing and layout requirements.
Because the site runs continuous research programs, the construction window was tight. The project also needed to be delivered in a live agricultural environment, with livestock and farm staff operating nearby.
The project required careful management of:
- A large roofing structure for an open dairy cattle feedlot
- A live Agriculture Victoria research site
- Protection and improved shelter for livestock
- Integration with existing concrete foundations
- Specific spacing, layout and measurement requirements
- Structural design suitable for future rooftop solar installation
- Active research programs with a tight delivery window
- Coordination with site staff to avoid operational disruption
- Civil works, including stormwater management
- Government procurement, permitting and documentation requirements
- Full compliance with functional and regulatory expectations
The Trusteel Solution
Instead of engaging a traditional building contractor who would then subcontract to a shed provider, DEECA chose to work directly with a specialist agricultural shed builder.
Trusteel’s end-to-end capability covered structural design, fabrication, engineering and permitting, giving DEECA a single supplier for the full scope of the project.
The project was put to tender, and Trusteel was quickly shortlisted due to its experience working with government and rural clients.
Once officially engaged, DEECA provided architectural drawings showing the required dimensions and layout. Trusteel then used its in-house engineering and shed design expertise to bring those plans to life.
The result was a structurally sound roofing system tailored to the site’s requirements and ready to accommodate solar panels.
Implementation & Delivery
The build began with off-site fabrication, followed by installation at the Ellinbank dairy research site.
Trusteel managed the installation process smoothly, coordinating with site staff to avoid disruption and ensuring all civil works, including stormwater management, were completed to specification.
Despite the complexity of building on a live research farm, the project was delivered quickly and without issue.
From contract signing to completion, the timeline was fast-paced but fully met. The on-site installation itself took only a few weeks, with no delays, cost overruns or surprises.
Importantly, the completed structure delivered exactly what DEECA required: a durable, fit-for-purpose roofing system that met all functional and regulatory requirements, improved the feedlot environment for livestock and enabled the future installation of solar energy systems to support on-site farm operations.
Why DEECA Chose Trusteel
DEECA chose Trusteel because the project required a specialist agricultural shed builder with the capability to manage the full scope directly.
Trusteel’s ability to interpret technical drawings, navigate procurement requirements and deliver high-quality rural and government projects gave DEECA’s project managers confidence from the outset.
For DEECA, the simplicity of working with a single supplier from permits and fabrication through to final installation helped make the project more straightforward and easier to manage.
Results
Trusteel delivered the dairy shed roof on time, within budget and without the complications often associated with government construction projects.
The finished project provided:
- A custom roofing structure for an open dairy cattle feedlot
- A durable structure suited to an active agricultural research site
- Improved shelter and feedlot conditions for livestock
- A structure designed to support rooftop solar systems
- Integration with existing concrete foundations
- Compliance with specific spacing and layout requirements
- Civil works completed to specification, including stormwater management
- Installation completed in only a few weeks
- No delays, cost overruns or unexpected issues
- No major defects and minimal corrections required
- Full alignment with functional and regulatory requirements
- A smooth handover with no post-installation headaches
The project gave DEECA a practical, compliant and future-ready structure that supports both current research activity and future sustainable energy upgrades.
What DEECA Says
The Trusteel team received strong praise for its professionalism, quality of work and smooth delivery.
According to DEECA Senior Project Manager Chris Lolicato, the project ticked every box: it was delivered on time, within budget and without the typical complications that can often cause delays in government projects.
“We got what we expected, in the time we expected, and at the cost we expected. The quality of workmanship was outstanding and when the shed was finished, there were no defects, and everything was good to go right away.
We also had a very tight timeline between research projects, and Trusteel was able to fully accommodate our schedule without issue.
Communication throughout was easy and professional; the team was great to work with. I would confidently recommend Trusteel to others.”
— Chris Lolicato, DEECA Project Manager
Beyond technical delivery, Trusteel’s coordination with on-site teams and responsiveness throughout the process stood out. Operating in an active research environment with livestock on site can be complex, but the Trusteel crew integrated well with farm staff and showed care in how they approached the work.
Why Government, Rural and Agricultural Clients Choose Trusteel
Trusteel supports government, commercial, rural and agricultural clients with durable steel structures designed for real operating environments.
Clients choose Trusteel for:
- Large-scale structural solutions for agricultural and rural applications
- Skilled installation within live and operational environments
- Family-operated service that supports local engagement and CSR expectations
- Full fabrication, delivery and installation support
- Structures engineered to support rooftop solar systems and sustainable energy options
- End-to-end project management from concept and design through to completion
- Proven experience across rural, commercial and industrial projects in Victoria
- Durable Australian steel construction for long-term performance
- Custom designs tailored to site layout, function and compliance needs
- Licensed builders and qualified installers focused on structural integrity and safety
- Quality assurance and documentation provided at handover
- Transparent pricing and communication from quote to completion
- Decades of experience supported by repeat clients and trusted industry partnerships
- Future-ready designs that can accommodate expansion, upgrades or additional systems
Planning a Rural, Government or Agricultural Shed Project?
Looking for a responsible and experienced shed fabrication and installation team in Victoria?
Trusteel can help you design, fabricate and install a durable steel structure that meets your site requirements, operational needs and compliance obligations.