2016-06-07 - P&E Agenda - Item 5, Attachment 1 - Agriculture and Agricultural Land Study

11. Recommendations                                          for       the          Planning
    Scheme
Accepting that the Council and the community in partnership are responsible for the protection of
natural resources such as land form, soil and landscape, water, air and terrestrial and aquatic
fauna and flora for future generations to enjoy and use, the planning scheme is the most
appropriate mechanism to guide development in a manner that enhances the local environment
and economy as well as the lifestyle of residents.


11.1        Strategic Component
The Strategic components of the new planning scheme should recognise that Noosa Shire is
renowned for its landforms and landscape features, extensive open space and the clean
environment. The hinterland communities have a strong affinity with these natural attributes,
bushland settings and the rural heritage and history of the Shire. The combination of agriculture,
open space, conservation reserves and rural living define the character of the hinterland.

The retention of agricultural activities, particularly in those areas where farming activities have
been the traditional use and where environmental impacts may be successfully managed will assist
the agricultural sector’s role in defining the character of the Shire. In lifestyle terms, agriculture is
also a significant contributor, with part time, small scale though often high value operations, serving
as an attractor to the rural areas.

One of Noosa Council’s sustainability principles is that Noosa’s economy is prosperous, diverse
and protective of its unique environment.

Deriving a worthwhile income from agriculture is important to its continuation and contribution to
the local economy. The economic contribution of agriculture is broader than just the direct benefits
of food production. Agriculture provides indirect benefits to the local economy through the
protection of landscape amenity and environment. The ongoing, productive use of good quality
agricultural land for sustainable agricultural development is to be encouraged. The planning
scheme should make a statement about recognising the contribution of agriculture to Noosa Shire
in terms of economic diversification, food security, cultural (landscape) heritage and stewardship of
the land.

The strategic components of the scheme should also include a statement about what is expected
of rural enterprises in terms of their impact on the environment. Exemplary land management
practices, including sensible use of chemicals, appropriate land clearing and catchment care
should be synonymous with agriculture within the Noosa Biosphere16 Reserve.

The evolution of traditional agricultural sectors (such as beef production) and the emergence of
new sectors should be supported and enhanced through opportunities for value-adding to occur,
before agricultural produce leaves the farm gate or leaves the region.

The clean, green credentials of the Noosa brand dictate that farming enterprises, particularly food
production should take a more environmentally sustainable and potentially boutique approach to
farming, avoiding high impact or industrial farming. Agricultural uses that pollute ground or surface
water, pollute the air, create excessive noise or rely on lighting, traffic or signage levels above
those generally accepted within the Noosa hinterland should not be supported. Livestock
enterprises should generally be limited to pasture fed, free range operations or aquaculture.



16
     “Noosa Biosphere” is a registered trademark of Noosa Council
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