New guidelines for use of farming land

USE and development of rural land in the Moorabool Shire will now be controlled by a formal plan.

The Shire’s Rural Land Use Strategy was adopted by councillors at a special meeting last week, with one councillor declaring it would provide clear guidance for decision-making from now on.

“The amount of consultation that’s gone into this is outstanding,” Cr Rod Ward said.

“It gives us clarity and direction in the future on what is a very challenging topic.”

The strategy seeks to fill an identified gap in planning policy by creating a knowledge base and a strategic basis to ensure clear and consistent planning decisions are made to safeguard productivity and sustainable growth and development of rural areas.

Fifty-one people completed surveys and 45 written submissions were received when the strategy was open for public consultation during July and August.

A project page on the council’s website was viewed 672 times, while 366 link clicks were registered on social media posts.

Submitters included residents, property and business owners, Aboriginal groups, referral and planning agencies including adjoining councils, catchment and water authorities, and environmental groups.

An officers’ report to the meeting said submissions were generally supportive, with many advocating for protection of agricultural land and environmental values.

It said key issues included protection of high-value agricultural land, protection of water catchments, protection of natural assets and water resources, and support for more opportunities for rural living in appropriate areas.

The strategy, prepared by Hansen Partnership and Ag-Challenge Consulting, says Moorabool has moderate to good quality agricultural land overall, with targeted areas of higher quality.

It says agricultural industry employs about 670 people and production amounts to $168 million a year, and calls for “careful management” of interface areas between rural and urban land uses.

“Pressures from rural residential development should be appropriately managed,” it says, adding that rural subdivisions should not jeopardise the use of productive agricultural land.

“Support for the potential diversification of the agricultural industry away from traditional farming is encouraged where appropriate such as towards more intensive or value-adding industries.”

According to the consultants, there is an increasing demand for rural living and it will be necessary to investigate supply, demand and opportunities for rural residential land uses near towns within the Shire.

The strategy was adopted unanimously.