BYRON SHIRE Council has revised its draft Byron Shire Rural Land Use Strategy and is seeking additional community input.
The revised draft Strategy provides a strategic framework to guide future land zoning, protection and development of our rural lands through a practical set of actions to be delivered over the next 20 years.
In discussion with the community over the past year, Byron Shire Mayor Simon Richardson said that community input, support and commitment was ‘key’ to the delivery of the strategy.
“About 95 per cent of the land within our shire is within rural lands. Listening and learning from our residents is key to good forward planning.
“The revised draft Strategy responds to previous feedback from the community and State Government, and as a result identifies only a limited amount of land for future rural residential development,” he said.
“Our rural hinterland is rich in biodiversity, agriculture and eclectic villages. It’s a special place to live, work and explore and we aim to keep it that way,” he said
The new revised draft strategy recognises the potential for infill housing within the R5 rural residential zones and identifies two possible rural lifestyle sites. The two sites identified include McAuleys Lane at Myocum and Alidenes Rd, Wilsons Creek, having a potential yield of between 40 to 75 dwellings.
In addition, Mayor Richardson recognised that the strategy needed to provide a way for sustainable eco community land to come forward and grow communities within rural land.
And the Mayor reaffirmed that existing farmers and new farmers needed the shire’s support to provide new sustainable value added farming growth that would provide jobs and food security.
“It’s a balance between protecting our environmental values, growing sustainable agriculture and lifestyle for families and communities. This is a living document that we will update and change as we work through our community’s key priorities,” Mayor Richardson said.
Priority actions within the revised draft Rural Land Use Strategy include the reviewing the proposed environmental zones and looking at the issue of rural wedding venue.
The exhibition also encourages discussion around how best to implement the actions of the Strategy. These actions identify how Council can act, inform, guide and lead over the next decade to build upon the strength of existing communities and ensure a balance between the rural environment, economy, living arrangements and infrastructure services.
Byron Shire Council is seeking community feedback on the revised draft Strategy until 10 July 2017.
“It is vital that you provide your input to help Council deliver a well-balanced rural land use strategy.
“We know how many expert, committed and brilliant land users we have across the shire. It is vital we hear from you, to gain from your ideas and insights so Council can deliver a modern and well balanced rural land use strategy based on our values and best practice,” Mayor Richardson urged.
Community briefings
You can find out more about the Strategy and its proposed actions at a community briefing on:
- Wednesday, 28 June – Jasper Corner Community Hall, Federal – 4pm to 5:30pm
- Tuesday, 27 June – Durrumbul Hall – 3pm to 4.30pm
- Monday, 3 July – A & I Hall, Bangalow – 9.30am to 11am
Staff also will be at the Mullumbimby Farmers Markets information stand on 23 and 30 June. Find out more and read the draft Byron Shire draft Rural Land Use Strategy online at http://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/rural-land-use-strategy
You can also speak to a Council planner by phoning 02 6626 7126.