Shire adopts strategy for rural hinterland

THE Surf Coast Shire has adopted its new Rural Hinterland Futures Strategy.

Formally approved by councillors at their May meeting, the strategy is the culmination of a significant body of work, including several rounds of community engagement.

In October 2018, the council considered submissions made to a draft version of the Rural Hinterland Futures Strategy and then resolved to undertake further work, including a shire-wide bushfire assessment.

The bushfire assessment has been incorporated into the final Rural Hinterland Futures Strategy with the endorsement of the CFA.

Other changes include a recognition of the primacy of rural production and an emphasis on the protection of environmental values.

The strategy also contains principles to guide decision making on tourism-focused development and land use conflict.

One of the actions to come from the Rural Hinterland Futures Strategy is a planning scheme amendment which would provide guidance on discretionary uses in the Farming Zone.

The Rural Hinterland Futures Strategy has five key objectives:
• Elevate the value of our environment and rural landscapes as the defining feature of the Surf Coast hinterland and its significance to the local economy
• Encourage innovative agriculture and other businesses displaying sustainable land management practices to enhance the shire’s reputation as a forward-thinking business destination
• Stimulate agritourism to enhance the Surf Coast as a visitor destination
• Support tourism activities which complement the landscape, agricultural and environmental values of the Surf Coast Shire, and
• Secure enabling infrastructure to deliver the vision and objectives of the strategy.

Winchelsea ward councillor Carol McGregor said the strategy was an important document for the shire.

“Maintaining a focus on rural production is an important principle and one that’s especially relevant to the shire’s hinterland, given the economic and social value of agri-business activities already operating in the area.

“A related principle is that tourism opportunities should complement agricultural, landscape and environmental values.

“This picks up opportunities such as gourmet food and wine trails.”