East Gippsland Shire Council is calling for community feedback on a new draft Rural Land Use Strategy which will guide planning decisions on the future development and subdivision of rural land in the shire.

Council is open to all feedback from rural landowners, community members and other stakeholders before finalising the Rural Land Use Strategy

Potential impact on commercial agriculture

The strategy is the first of its kind for the shire and will enable the East Gippsland Planning Scheme to be reviewed and updated to respond to rural land use pressures and opportunities.
Agricultural production is a vital part of the East Gippsland economy, yet there has been a trend over the past 20-30 years for the subdivision of rural land and housing development that is not associated with agriculture.

This trend has a potential impact on commercial agriculture by driving up land prices, making it difficult for agricultural producers to expand their farms, and introducing land use conflicts as residents bring different lifestyle expectations to rural areas.

Finding the right balance

Mayor Cr Mendy Urie said Council is seeking to find the right balance between the need to protect our agricultural operations and cater for the demand for rural lifestyle properties. "The strategy will include a new decision-making framework that will assist Council in dealing with proposed rural subdivision and development and to support the continued economic viability and growth of our agricultural producers," Cr Urie said.

Council is seeking community views on the draft strategy to gauge community support and identify any changes and improvements. "There are many factors to be considered within Council's planning responsibilities that can either support or constrain agricultural enterprises and we will be seeking to ensure the long-term viability of our agricultural sector through clear planning policy," Cr Urie said.

"It is important that the Rural Land Use Strategy reflects the needs of agricultural producers and meets the community's aspirations for the vast and diverse rural areas of the shire." said Cr Urie. Submissions close Wednesday 25 August. To view the draft strategy and find out how you can give feedback, visit our your say engagement portal.

Pictures from East GIppsland website.