Cobram 2025 Cobram Strategy Plan - Moira Shire Council

Cobram Strategy Plan
Final Report
11 Rural and Agriculture
11.1 Existing Conditions
Rural land effectively surrounds the urban areas of Cobram to the west, south
west, south and south east. These areas are generally included within the Rural
Zone (RUZ) which generally encourages the sustainable use of rural land for
agriculture.
The majority of the rural land immediately surrounding Cobram is used for
orcharding, however other uses including grazing and dairying. The majority of
rural land within the study area is still actively used.
Under the current provisions of the Moira Planning Scheme, some rural land
around Cobram can be subdivided into 12 hectare allotments. This provision was
carried over from the former Shire of Cobram and reflects the horticultural values
of these rural lands.
Some concern exists in relation to the productivity of rural land in proximity to
Cobram, particularly some of the orcharding land to the south east of the town.
There is also concern about continuing operations of agriculture, particularly in
regard to orcharding, within close proximity to emerging residential areas. Issues
related to noise, spray drift, dust and the like often lead to conflict at the
rural/urban interface.
11.2 Anticipated Trends
It is anticipated that agricultural properties at the rural/urban interface will continue
to experience some degree of conflict and/or pressure from emerging urban
development, especially residential and other sensitive land uses activities such
as education. However, it is recognised that this situation is not unique to Cobram
and is experienced by most rural and regional towns throughout Victoria and
indeed Australia. Good strategic planning can provide a higher degree of
certainty to farmers located at or near the fringe, especially in terms of timing for
the potential conversion of their land for urban development.
However planning for urban development is not an exact science and it is
recommended that Council investigate and implement some appropriate
techniques for addressing the potential conflicts that arise at the urban/rural
interface. This should be done in consultation with the Departments of
Sustainability and Environment and Primary Industries.
It is understood that the Moira Shire Council is about to undertake a review of
their rural areas. This review is in conjunction with the Greater Shepparton City
and the Campaspe Shire Councils, and will build upon the knowledge and
information held by various government agencies and department including
Departments of Sustainability and Environment and Primary Industries, Goulburn
Murray Water and the Goulburn Broken Catchment management Authority.
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