May 16, 2023
Southern Grampians Shire Council formally adopted the first-ever Southern Grampians Rural Land Use Strategy (RLUS) at the May council meeting.
Years in the making, the long-term strategy identifies the best use of the Shire’s rural lands to benefit our local economy and communities - and provides a clear framework to support Council’s future decisions around rural land use.
The RLUS will ensure that sustainable food and fibre production remains the priority rural land use in the Shire and that value-added industries will be considered. It will also encourage the diversification of rural land use, including tourism, renewable energy, and sustainable development of natural resources.
The RLUS will address the retention of residential growth and rural living within established townships to create a network of integrated and prosperous settlements – as well as protect and enhance the environmental and landscape qualities of the land.
Mayor Councillor David Robertson said the next step was for Council to amend the current Southern Grampians Planning Scheme (SGPS) to factor in the implementation of the RLUS.
“The community and key stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment on this amendment later this year,” said Cr Robertson. “Once finalised at a Council level, the proposed amendment will then be sent to the Minister for Planning for final approval.”
Cr Robertson said the RLUS was a key element of the Council Plan 2021-2025 and it went through extensive stakeholder and public consultation to help shape the document to what it was today.
“Until now, there has been insufficient local policy guidance at Council in terms of rural land management,” he said.
“It’s pleasing that Council has adopted a real and relevant land use strategy that will ensure the agricultural sector is protected for generations to come.
“We also now have very clear guidance around the development of land use, so any future decisions are appropriately balanced with the needs of communities, the economy and the natural environment.”
Please monitor Council’s news channels to find out more about the SGPS amendment consultation process.
-Ends-
Media inquiries: Beth Gibson, 0460 321 634, bgibson@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au