Investment in knowledge pays the best interest
Benjamin Franklin once said that “investment in knowledge pays the best interest”. With that in mind, we would like to inform of you of a number of resources that might just build your knowledge and pay dividends into the future.
Proposed Planning Scheme Amendments to the Rural Conservation Zones and Rural Farming Zones
The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) are currently considering Planning Scheme Amendments to the Rural Conservation Zone and Farming Zone regulations. Southern Otway Landcare believes that many Landholders will be interested in the proposed changes, and we invite you to provide feedback to the DPCD.
Changes to the Rural Conservation Zone (RCZ) will broaden the potential range of uses within the RCZ and increase opportunities for people within this zone to undertake activities such as running accommodation businesses or restaurants. The size of an extension requiring a planning permit be increased from 50m2 to 100m2 for a dwelling, outbuilding or shed.
Land in the Farming Zone will also be opened up to a broader range of uses. In addition, changes are proposed to the subdivision regulations as they apply to 40 hectare lots. A permit will no longer be required for primary produce sales, rural industry or a rural store, however there are conditions on the distance from neighbouring properties. This will make it easier for farm gate sales.The size of an extension requiring a planning permit be increased from 50m2 to 100m2 for a dwelling or outbuilding and 200m2 for a building used for agriculture.
Proposed changes to the Rural Zones can be found here. The DPCD website also provides you with an opportunity to comment. Thank you to John Riches Building Design and Planning Advice for alerting us to these changes.
Australian Framework for Landcare
“Australia, like all nations, faces major environmental challenges imposed by increasing populations and associated food security concerns, increasing energy and production costs, climate variability and change. The impacts on productivity and biodiversity caused by well-recognised problems such as dryland salinity, reduced water availability, depletion of soil fertility, and weeds and animal pests must be managed if these challenges are to be met.
…Along with the governments’ responsibilities, much of the hard work is being done on-the ground at the local level by people thinking about and developing an understanding of how they can live, work and play in their landscapes sustainably. Small and incremental gains can produce big results and the Landcare approach can be the catalyst”.
Some of you may already be aware that Southern Otway Landcare is in the process of developing its new Strategic Plan. Over the coming months, we will be inviting contributions from all Landcare members to ensure that we on the right path. We recognise that many groups are fatigued, struggling to manage committees and seeking are revitalisation. We hope the process of Strategic Planning will re-engage Landcarers and build enthusiasm. In this spirit, we ask you to browse the Australian Framework for Landcare which was published in 2010. The document is about the power of Landcare in the community and the enormous potential of its volunteers. It can be accessed here:
Caring for our Country
Just a few more days remain to contribute the review of Caring for our Country. Caring for our Country is the major Federal program for funding environmental and agricultural projects. Recently announced for another 5 years, details of the the funding program are still being tweaked so if you think you might be interested, have your say.