As part of the NSW State Government’s Drought Resilience Plan, Bathurst Regional Council, Oberon Council and Lithgow City Council have engaged with regional tourism consultants, Tilma Group to better understand agritourism development and the opportunities it presents for the region and farmers.
Agritourism is an on-farm tourism experience that connects guests to farming activities. The options within agritourism provide farmers with opportunities to generate additional income, diversify their operations, establish customer relationships, and enhance business resilience. It is a rapidly expanding sector that has widespread appeal and demand from visitors.
Bathurst Regional Council Mayor Robert Taylor noted agritourism could be of great benefit to farmers across the region, with the opportunity to explore this at Bathurst’s upcoming information evening.
“In December 2022, the NSW Government provided updated information on approval pathways for agritourism business development, which includes new definitions and fast-tracked approval pathways,” he said.
“We are working on making this easier for our farming community to understand, enabling them to clearly see what is permissible on their rural land zone.
“Interested residents and members of the local farming community have been invited to attend an evening where Council will launch a suite of new local guides that will assist farmers in the process of agritourism development and farm diversification.
“During the evening, hear from experts from Nutrien Ag Solutions, Burns Planning and Development, Kenny Spring Solicitors, Tilma Group, Destination Central West NSW, and more on the costs and benefits of tourism to determine if this is the right opportunity for you.”
There three dates events have been slated for later this month including 19 August at Bathurst Rail Museum, 20 August RedGround Truffles Oberon and Seven Valley’s Visitor Information Centre in Lithgow on 21 August.
