Proposed changes by the NSW Government making it easier for farmers to establish new complementary businesses on their land have been welcomed by Wollondilly Council, as the Council continues to work behind the scenes to push hard so landowners can diversify.

Wollondilly Mayor Robert Khan and CEO Ben Taylor recently met with Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, The Hon. Rob Stokes MP together with Nathaniel Smith MP to advocate for planning changes to enable agribusiness and tourism activities on rural zoned land.

In an announcement this week, the Minister proposed changes which would streamline the planning framework for some small scale agricultural developments as well as introducing new land uses.

Mayor Khan said, “The Minister was very supportive of Council's initiatives and committed to addressing the issues we raised as an urgent priority.”

“It is encouraging to see that following our meeting, the Minister has brought forward proposed changes to state planning laws to make it easier for rural landowners to run activities such as farm stays and farm events, to attract visitors to the area.”

“Council will be reviewing the content of the changes in detail and we look forward to doing even more to help Wollondilly businesses capitalise on these changes.”

“We’re also pushing ahead with amendments to our LEP that will provide even more opportunities for weddings, events and tourism across the Shire”

Agritourism is a tourism-related experience or product that connects agricultural products, people or places with visitors on a farm or rural land for enjoyment, education, or to participate in activities and events.

The proposed changes by the department will enable opportunities for sustainable tourism, particularly in relation to agritourism.

Council is asking Wollondilly residents and landowners to have their say on the proposed changes by 19 April by heading to the NSW Government’s Planning Portal to make a submission https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/exhibition/agriculture-changes