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

Good quality agricultural land is conserved by preventing encroachment or alienation by
incompatible land uses. Where there is uncertainty about the likely effect of a land use on
sustainable agriculture or good quality agricultural land, protection of agriculture or conservation of
the good quality agricultural land should prevail.

The planning scheme should acknowledge the reliance of a successful agricultural sector on the
appropriate planning of well serviced towns and villages. These local centres provide for rural
industries, employment, community infrastructure, employee housing and services so as to
improve the quality of life and overall level of sustainability of a locality.

Well defined boundaries to urban areas and rural residential estates should depict a clear
distinction of where residential growth and non-rural uses will be supported.

Opportunities should be provided for complementary land uses that support the viability of
agriculture and do not alienate or diminish agricultural productivity on the same or surrounding
lands. Priority sectors that could successfully co-exist with agriculture include certain health and
wellness uses, rural or nature based tourism, creative industries and environmental industries.

If the Strategic elements of the planning scheme suggest Noosa is to accommodate thriving
sustainable agricultural businesses it is vital that the planning scheme encourages and facilitates
that outcome, while respecting the other interests of the environment, catchment protection and the
existing lifestyles of nearby residents.


11.2     Zones
The current Queensland Planning Provisions (QPP) provide a standard suite of zones and specify
that only zones from the standard suite may be used in a planning scheme. The following
examples are taken from the QPP:

       Rural Zone where the purpose is to:
                 provide for rural uses including cropping, intensive horticulture, intensive
                    animal industries, animal husbandry, animal keeping and other primary
                    production activities
                 provide opportunities for non-rural uses that are compatible with agriculture,
                    the environmental features, and landscape character of the rural area where
                    the uses do not compromise the long-term use of the land for rural purposes
                 protect or manage significant natural resources and processes to maintain
                    the capacity for primary production.

       Rural residential zone where the purpose is to provide for residential development on
       large lots where local government infrastructure and services may not be provided on the
       basis that the intensity of development is generally dispersed.

       Conservation zone where the purpose is to provide for the protection, restoration and
       management of areas identified as supporting significant biological diversity and ecological
       integrity.

       Environmental management zone where the purpose is to recognise environmentally
       sensitive areas and provide for houses on lots and other low impact activities where
       suitable. These areas are protected from inclusion of any urban, suburban, centre or
       industrial land uses except quarries that are identified in the strategic framework.


It is likely that most properties outside the designated urban areas of Noosa Shire could be
accommodated in one of these zones (in in some instances split zoning may allow for a
combination of these zones). The choice of zone should give a clear message to the community,
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