Located in north eastern Victoria, Indigo Shire Council is currently undertaking a review of its Planning Scheme, including its Municipal Strategic Statement. This strategic statement is Council’s key document guiding land use planning and development in the Shire.
The review includes a range of stakeholder participation opportunities. The first part of consultation saw community meetings in seven townships across the Shire. Feedback from these highlighted a need to address a number of rural planning issues impacting the Shire now and in the future.
These include:
- subdivision of rural land
- development of dwellings in rural areas
- new rural zones
- existing small rural lots
- recent trends in agriculture.
Council responded to this feedback by organising a seminar and workshop day in November to focus on these issues. Rural planning issues were discussed and the future direction for rural development was set.
The workshop included speakers on a range of rural topics, including Wolfgang Haala, from the Department of Sustainability and Environment; and Professor Alan Curtis, from Charles Sturt University, who spoke on property turnover and subdivision in Victoria, and the implications for agriculture and natural resource management.
Indigo’s Manager Environment and Development Services, Susan Cheetham, also discussed the performance of the Indigo Planning Scheme with regard to rural areas. She said the future of rural activities is vitally important for this area.
“For this reason, we are reviewing our current position and looking at future trends for our rural areas,” she said. “Indigo has farmers who wish to continue to farm efficiently as well as people seeking lifestyle opportunities in our rural areas. The workshop addressed how these competing objectives can fit into our Shire. “
For further information on the outcomes of the workshop contact Stephen Swart at Indigo Shire Council on (02) 6028 1116 or email sswart@indigoshire.vic.gov.au
