2016-06-07 - Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                       7 JUNE 2016



2.    Relationship with the Local Economic Plan

Council’s Local Economic Plan has identified Rural Enterprise as one of the priority sectors to
drive diversity in the local economic structure. The plan suggests this sector is a good fit with the
sustainability aspirations of this community, offers growth potential and has the opportunity to
leverage a number of the region’s competitive advantages and consumer trends.

The Local Economic Plan also identifies effective land use planning, specifically through the
planning scheme as a mechanism to advance this sector by accommodating changing business
and industry practices and needs.

3.    Recommendations for the new planning scheme

The planning study includes various recommendations for the new planning scheme. While the
legislative framework is changing and the terminology and template for planning schemes is still
evolving, recommendations can be summarised in the following points:

The Strategic Framework should make statements
   recognising that Noosa Shire is renowned for its landforms and landscape features,
     extensive open space and the clean environment;
   recognising the contribution of agriculture to Noosa Shire in terms of economic
     diversification, food security, cultural (landscape) heritage and stewardship of the land;
   describing what is expected of rural enterprises in terms of their impact on the environment;
   acknowledging the reliance of a successful agricultural sector on the appropriate planning
     of well serviced towns and villages centres to provide rural industries, employment,
     community infrastructure, employee housing and services; and
   in support of complementary land uses that support the viability of agriculture and do not
     alienate or diminish agricultural productivity on the same or surrounding lands.

Mapping should
  Clearly define boundaries to urban areas and rural residential estates, distinguishing where
    urban growth and non-rural uses will and will not be supported.
  Include an agricultural land overlay which is the local interpretation of the State’s
    Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) Class A and Class B land, having removed lands
    less suitable for agriculture.

Land use zones and overlays should
   Identity where the preferred dominant land use is for agricultural pursuits or associated
     rural enterprises as opposed to rural living or conservation purposes;
   Be supported by desired outcomes that make clear the intention for the land and the uses
     and development that would be supported thereon.

Tables of Development and Development Codes should
   Ensure that the strategic intent to enable increased agricultural production is actually
     facilitated through the scheme;
   Minimise the number of agricultural pursuits and rural enterprises that require planning
     approval within the rural zone;
   Contain very clear desired outcomes and quantifiable solutions to allow self-assessment
     wherever possible;
   Allow for planning assessment where there is no certainty as to the potential impact of the
     development or where conditions are necessary to qualify the development;
   Discourage urban uses which are not compatible with agricultural pursuits from
     establishing in the rural zone.


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