Wollondilly Council has reaffirmed its strong commitment to increasing economic activity and local jobs in the Shire with its adoption of a planning proposal to open up land use to help grow the visitor economy.

The Developing the Visitor Economy and Employment Land Uses Planning Proposal is a Council initiative that amends the local environmental plan to increase opportunities for tourism while protecting the agricultural, scenic and environmental values of the land.

The amendments will help promote agritourism in the Shire and build resilience in the farming sector. They are designed to increase opportunities for things such as farm stay accommodation and bed and breakfasts; and allow for land uses such as camping grounds, filming, food and drink premises and markets.

They recognise tourism as a priority, as well as minimising the impact of bushfire hazards.

Ultimately the main focus from Council is to support more economic activity on rural land, enabling land owners to diversify their income so that ongoing farming is more viable in the long term.

Mayor Matt Gould said, “Wollondilly’s natural and rural areas offer amazing opportunities for the visitor experience and for our local economy.”

“Quality agriculture and horticulture in our area also provides for agritourism, expanded farm-based tourism and generating income streams.”

“The focus of the Stage 2 Planning Proposal is to develop the visitor experience and economy in Wollondilly and establish the land use planning framework necessary to open up this important income stream.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who provided feedback on this planning proposal to get it to this stage.”

The planning proposal was publicly exhibited from 17 November 2021 until 15 December 2021, with 30 submissions received including 21 community and stakeholder submissions, seven public agency submissions and two submissions from adjoining councils. 

The Department of Primary Industries (Agriculture) has objected to some of the proposed amendments and in response to these submissions some minor adjustments have been made.

Council will continue to advocate for the State Government to accept the proposal with the new amendments.