Planning certainty secured for Eurobodalla

The NSW Government has approved changes to Eurobodalla’s local planning rules to provide certainty and opportunity for farmers, landholders and businesses; while continuing to protect native flora and fauna.

Member for Bega Andrew Constance said Eurobodalla’s Local Environmental Plan now reflects Council’s Rural Lands Strategy, which sets out a 20-year vision for the Shire’s rural lands.

“The Rural Lands Strategy is a fantastic result for our entire region and I thank Mayor Liz Innes and the Rural Lands Committee, along with our community for bringing about this fantastic result for Eurobodalla.

“Changes have been made to planning controls, such as zoning, land uses and lot sizes to encourage a vibrant commercial agriculture sector, increase rural living opportunities and support the growth of rural business opportunities.

“With its beautiful beaches, plentiful parks and fertile farmlands, Eurobodalla Shire truly is one of our State’s more enviable places to live, work and visit,” Mr Constance said.

Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes welcomed the approval of the amended local plan.

“This is such a great news story for the Eurobodalla, and I am looking forward to seeing us reach our economic potential as we now have greater opportunity for rural producers to map our region as an amazing food tourism destination,” Ms Innes said.

“This approval is the culmination of years of consultation and strategic planning and brings to life our Rural Lands Strategy.

“I would like to thank our local community and also Andrew Constance and the State Government for recognising the contributions over many years and providing our region with yet to be discovered opportunities that will now be possible.

“Our Rural Lands Strategy will guide our rural land uses over the next 20 years to improve opportunities for farmers, businesses, landowners and visitors, whilst protecting what we love most about our shire.

“With 83 beaches, four major river systems and lakes and more than 80% of land covered by national parks or state forest, our natural beauty has been always been the centre of the deliberation on these changes,” Ms Innes said.

Mr Constance said “development will still go through the same rigorous assessment process it always has. However this Rural Lands Strategy will provide options and opportunities that support tourism and rural economic development, whilst continuing to adhering to state and federal planning and environment legislation.

“The Government carefully considered seven sites identified by the NSW RFS to ensure fire trucks are able to gain access to future rural properties, that requirement has been met,” said Mr Constance.