NSW Farmers support land use inquiry

8th February 2007The NSW Farmers’ Association supports today’s announcement to establish an independent inquiry into rural land use in Central West NSW.
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
President of the NSW Farmers’ Association, Jock Laurie, says issues surrounding Land Use Planning are being felt statewide.
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
“The NSW Farmers’ Association considers it important, particularly in developing areas like the Central West, that agricultural concerns are protected, but communities are allowed the room to develop at the same time,” Mr Laurie said.
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
“It is pleasing that the State Government has acknowledged the importance of local consultation, data and decision making.
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
Chair of the Association’s Land Use Planning Taskforce, Liz Tomlinson says the timing of the announcement coincides with the release of the NSW Farmers’ Association survey of farmers’ views on land use planning. NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
This information will be submitted to the inquiry for consideration.
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
Mrs Tomlinson said, according to the survey:
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
• There is a feeling that the system is too complex and creates confusion, duplicity, excess costs and time delays.
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
• Planning decisions should be made at a local level using local information, data and consultation.
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
• There should be alternative dispute resolution mechanisms so that costly and time consuming court cases are avoided.
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
• Dwelling entitlements should remain in perpetuity
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
• Prospective neighbours should have access to education about agriculture and its by-products to avoid land use conflict.
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
• LEP’s should not impose provisions in excess of the Native Vegetation or Threatened Species legislation.
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
A summary of the Land Use Planning Survey results can be found on the NSW Farmers’ Association website www.nswfarmers.org.au
NSW Farmers support land use inquiry
SOURCE: The Land, NSW’s weekly rural newspaper