THE Macedon Ranges Rural Land Use Strategy is currently in draft, with council taking into consideration 175 formal submissions both for and against the policy, after significant community engagement.
The strategy proposes rezoning some land from Farming to Rural Conservation Zone, based on Biodiversity Assessment site inspections.
"These properties adjoin or are connected to land zoned Rural Conservation or to public land, which was noted for either its vegetation coverage or vegetation conservation status," said Rebecca Stockfeld, director of planning and environment.
"The condition of the vegetation was also noted, with sightings of threatened or endangered species of flora and fauna taken into consideration when rezoning."
As expected, rezoning criteria also looked at whether the area is catchment for potable water supply, with stocking rates also relevant.
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All of this is in keeping with state–wide existing use rights.
Farmers will still be able to farm within Rural Conservation Zone, which is the case in many parts of the shire already under this zone.
"Land that is currently being used for agriculture can continue to be used for agriculture even after a rezoning has occurred," Ms Stockfeld said.
All existing uses – as long as they are lawful – will be able to continue and the landholder's 'right to farm' will not be impacted.
However, any applications to start farming operations on land not currently used for agriculture or grazing will have to apply for a planning permit.
And permits will also have to be obtained from primary producers who wish to diversify away from or change their agricultural focus.
"Each parcel of land has its own unique attributes," said Ms Stockfeld.
"The planning permit process will allow for a bespoke management response.
"And any change in the overlay will not force the removal of lawful buildings and works retrospectively.
"All existing infrastructure that has been lawfully constructed through either a planning permit and/or building permit can continue to be retained and used on site."
Council is, however, urging landholders to fence off bushland areas and the riparian zones of creeks and other waterbodies.
"Most farmers are doing this anyway," said Ms Stockfeld.
"So there should be no significant change to how land is used and managed, with geographic areas in the shire's south virtually unchanged under the strategy."
Ms Stockfeld said that the focus of the Rural Land Use Strategy is to actually strengthen long–term protection of agricultural land, along with the landscape and natural environment.
"Shire–wide, rural land competition is being driven by demand for rural lifestyle, rural tourism, recreation and land banking," said Ms Stockfeld.
"Currently commercial agriculture is out–competed in the land market, with sub–commercial agriculture, rural lifestyle and other non–agricultural activities replacing these enterprises.
"Council is aiming to clearly identify locations where commercial scale agriculture is supported over rural lifestyle and hobby farming, and safeguard it."
