Clearer rules for farming will be introduced in Victoria’s planning provisions to give certainty to property owners, councils and the community as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s ongoing work to support our animal industries.
The planning reforms will include new land definitions, no increases to red tape and more support for councils to allow for efficient application processing and rule enforcement.
This is about getting the balance right between supporting our farming industries and the community.
The Labor Government set up the Animal Industries Advisory Committee last year to review planning rules and find ways to bring the planning system in line with modern farming practices and community expectations.
The committee’s work included broad consultation and public hearings, drawing 146 submissions and made 37 recommendations.
The Government has now released its response to the committee’s findings, and is working with councils and industry bodies ahead of the changes, which include:
- Support for council’s strategic planning work through access to specialist expertise and improving data
- Clearer rules through new land definitions which reflect modern farming
- Code reforms to help councils make well-informed and clear decisions
- Working with councils and the EPA towards effective enforcement of planning decisions.
Victoria’s animal industries make a significant contribution to the Victorian economy, employing around 52,000 people on-farm and in processing and worth more than $8.1 billion in total agricultural value.
The Government’s full response can be found here:
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“We’re going from a one-size- fits- all approach to a tailored and well thought out method that takes into account industry and size of the farm business.”
“Global demand for Victoria’s food and fibre products is growing and we’re making sure our industries have the support they need to expand, while considering the impacts of farming on people and the environment.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“With our support, the industry and community will have clearer rules and rural councils will have access to the technical expertise needed to make decisions.”
“Changes to planning rules need careful consideration because they impact property owners, business and surrounding residents, we’re confident we have struck a balance with our changes.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020