Council’s first Rural Land Use Strategy (RLUS) developed to address current and emerging rural land use issues is now out for community exhibition.
RLUS proposes a clear framework created with a strong strategic vision and recommendations to guide future scheme amendments, whilst ensuring the planning scheme remains effective for now and into the future.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Bruach Colliton said RLUS provides a strategic direction for land use within the Shires farming zone and will assist Council to identify rural land use issues across the region.
“The Strategy aims to address a number of key issues including the retention of land for sustainable food and fibre production, the diversification of rural land use, maintenance of residential growth in townships, and the protection of the environment and land.
“The development of RLUS will allow Council to better manage planning decisions while not only focussing on the agriculture and forestry industries, but the promotion of new opportunities in areas like rural tourism, and any emerging issues created from fragmentation of farm land and conflicts in land use.
“Residents are invited to have a read through the document and provide your feedback on what really is a vital Strategy for the future of our region,” concluded Cr Colliton.
The Rural Land Use Strategy is the first of its kind for Council and is supported by other key Council documents including the Council vision (SG2041), Small Town Strategies (in preparation), Structure Plans, Planning Scheme, and Natural Assets Strategy (in preparation).
Future planning scheme amendments may also be generated from RLUS where the existing policy settings and standards found in the planning scheme are no longer relevant or appropriate.
The study area has incorporated all land within the Farming Zone, Rural Conservation Zone and Rural Activity Zone. The Rural Living Zone has not been included in the scope of the Strategy.
RLUS will remain out for public comment for the duration of 60 days. Community members can find more information and provide feedback online at www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay or via the online form here.
Hard copies are also available at Southern Grampians Shire Council Customer Service Centres. Feedback closes 6 December 2021.