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Rural Tourism Development StrategyA draft report into tourism use and development in rural areas of Bass Coast will go on public exhibition this week By Bass Coast Shire Council - 13th May 2009 - Back to News Bass Coast Shire Council, in collaboration with consultants Urban Enterprise, prepared the report to identify rural areas where tourism could be encouraged. Economic Development Manager, Peter Francis, said the report followed on from the introduction of new rural zones by the State Government in July 2006.
"When the Government brought in these new zones, the blanket application did not take into account some of the specific tourism options within our Shire," said Mr Francis.
"It was clear that the new farming zone would have a serious impact on anyone wanting to undertake tourism related ventures in a farming zone.
"In collaboration with South Gippsland Shire Council, we successfully applied for funding for a study to identify areas where tourism could be encouraged, while preserving important agricultural land," continued Mr Francis.
"This draft report is the result of that study and is part of a Rural Strategy that Council is developing."
The draft report suggests alternative zoning for specific areas around the Shire, moving from Farming Zone to the more flexible Rural Activity Zone.
"Some of our existing tourism ventures are in areas classified as Farming Zone," explained Mr Francis.
"While these businesses are still able to operate, it has made the process of applying for any further use, or upgrades to existing facilities, very complicated.
"The aim of this report is to clearly define the areas where tourism use is appropriate and to protect farm land for ongoing agricultural use."
Mr Francis said that a number of concerns raised by councillors at the briefing last week had been resolved, allowing the report to go on immediate exhibition.
"Anyone interested in the report can view a copy at our Customer Service Centres from Tuesday 12 May 2009," said Mr Francis.
"The report will be on display for three weeks and I really encourage the community to give us their feedback by Wednesday 3 June."
The final report will include consideration of submissions received from the public. It will be tabled at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 17 June 2009.
Submissions should be sent to Peter Francis, Economic Development Manager, Bass Coast Shire Council, PO Box 118, Wonthaggi, 3995. Submission can also be emailed to p.francis@basscoast.vic.gov.au. Anyone needing more information can contact Peter Francis on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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