Rural land use plan closer

PUBLIC opinion will be sought later this year on a review of the City of Greater Bendigo’s Rural Areas Strategy.

The review will be open for comment for a month, likely from November.

It will be accompanied by an issues and opportunities paper, preparing for an update to the strategy that has been operating since 2009 but needs to reflect emerging issues.

The community will be asked to provide feedback and to identify land use issues and opportunities in rural areas that have not already been considered.

City councillors approved the consultation move at their September meeting, before going into pre-election caretaker mode.

At that time, Cr Julie Sloan said key questions to answer included where, when and if further subdivision of rural land is necessary or justified, and even whether it should be allowed.

She said preserving natural landscapes was essential, but conflicts could arise between conservation priorities and agricultural development.

Cr Jennifer Alden said 23 per cent of the Greater Bendigo population lives in rural areas, and that the City is experiencing growth pressures, including pressures for inappropriate development, but there has been limited guidance on what is acceptable in rural development.

Repeated applications for buildings on rural land had been treated differently over time leading to inconsistent outcomes, she said.

The review covers issues like protection of productive farming land, protection and enhancement of natural and cultural values, and potential opportunities for non-agricultural uses in appropriate locations.

It complements the newly-adopted Managed Growth Strategy, which provides direction and a framework for growth in the municipality’s urban areas and larger townships over the next 30 years.

Speaking immediately after the meeting, then-mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the consultation would be a chance for the community to be involved in what matters for rural areas.

Cr Metcalf said the paper would be exhibited on the City’s Let’s Talk online platform and there would also be various in-person opportunities for people to have a say.

“The intent of the updated Rural Areas Strategy is to provide greater guidance to current and future landowners, planning professionals and council when proposing change and making decisions regarding Greater Bendigo’s rural areas,” she said.

An updated strategy will be prepared early next year, with a draft expected to go out for consultation mid-year. A final strategy will then be presented to councillors for adoption.