Rural Strategy - Surf Coast Shire

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Surf Coast Shire Rural Strategy Review Final Report 9 Surf Coast Rural Strategy (2007) 9.1 Revised Rural Strategy Based on the findings of the rural strategy review investigations, including stakeholder consultation undertaken to date, the project team recommends the following elements be embraced as the Shire’s revised Rural Strategy (2007). 9.2 Key Strategic Elements 9.3 Vision The review of the rural land strategy has concluded the following: A long history of agricultural production has left a legacy of rural landscapes and townships valued by the Surf Coast community and significant to the Shire’s identity and liveability; While comparatively modest, the economic value of agriculture continues to grow and there is potential for further development of agricultural production, particularly horticulture, based on recycled water; Farming and agriculture are particularly important and valued in the northern area of the Shire; The Shire has significant environmental assets that contribute to the amenity and landscape of the Shire and are important to the Shire’s tourism; Landholders farming for lifestyle purposes are a significant proportion of the rural population, particularly in the rural hinterland; Farming and the rural landscape provide non-urban breaks particularly between Geelong and Torquay and between coastal settlements and are an important element of the settlement strategy; and Tourism has traditionally focused on the coast however, there are opportunities for tourism development, particularly in the farmed rural hinterland. These opportunities should not come at the expense of environmental, landscape, social and agricultural values. The Surf Coast Rural Land Use Strategy sets out a long term vision for the Shire’s rural areas that: Encourages growth of sustainable agriculture; Grows and maintains prosperous and sustainable rural communities; Minimises urban-rural conflicts; Protects rural landscapes; and Protects and enhances environmental assets. RMCG Consultants for Business, Communities & Environment Page 50
Surf Coast Shire Rural Strategy Review Final Report The rural areas of the Shire are highly valued as a place to live, work and recreate. The Surf Coast rural communities are diverse ranging from traditional farming businesses to those seeking to combine work and home in an attractive environment. Agriculture has made a significant contribution to both the rural landscape and the character of the Surf Coast rural townships and communities. The agricultural community has diversified and includes both full time and part time farmers producing traditional and niche commodities. Maintaining and supporting a diverse agricultural sector will contribute to the growth and prosperity of rural communities and protect and maintain the landscape and liveability of the Shire. The environmental and landscape values are highly valued for their contribution to the amenity and liveability of the Shire as well as the contribution to tourism and recreation. The rural areas of the Shire also provide green breaks between urban centres, help to define town boundaries and contribute to maintaining the character and identity of the Surf Coast communities. Agriculture is an important element in maintaining green breaks. 9.4 Key Strategic Directions The key strategic directions of the Surf Coast Rural Land Use Strategy are: Provide a planning framework that will support agriculture and protect the rural-farmed landscape and not prejudice the ability of future generations to productively farm the land; Support agricultural activities and associated rural industries that will maintain and build on the economic base of the Shire; Strongly discourage fragmentation and non-productive uses of agricultural land as well as additional dwellings unrelated to the agricultural use of the land; Encourage the use of existing small lots for innovative or niche productive activities that are not dependent upon or associated with the development of a dwelling on the lot; Refuse inappropriate subdivisions or land uses that take rural land out of agricultural production; Provide opportunities to increase the size of land holdings in order to increase economics of scale through the continued application of the Shire’s tenement controls; Discourage non-productive uses and additional houses unrelated to the rural use of the land; Support infrastructure and resources that will enhance productive agriculture; Protect and maintain the existing rural character of the Shire by providing clear definitions and distinctions between rural and urban areas; Broaden the basis for establishing minimum lot sizes from a consideration of land units to support viable agriculture to include protection of the rural-farmed landscape; Provide for rural based tourism uses and development in appropriate areas via the application of the Rural Activity Zone; and Ensure consistency with the Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy (2003), Regional Coastal Action Plan, Central West Victoria (2003) and the Estuaries Coastal Action Plan, Central West Victoria (2005). RMCG Consultants for Business, Communities & Environment Page 51
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Rural Strategy - Surf Coast Shire

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