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A new planning framework for primary production and rural development has commenced on 28 February 2019.
The new framework simplifies the NSW planning system by consolidating, updating and repealing provisions in five former agriculture-themed SEPPs. It supports NSW’s agricultural sector, which is a major contributor to the success of the NSW economy, providing exports and jobs.
The new framework:
It includes:
As a consequence, the following SEPPs have been repealed:
The Department formally consulted on these changes between 23 October 2017 and 15 January 2018 and listened to feedback from a wide range of stakeholders. More details regarding the consultation process can be found on the Consultation tab.
In July 2019, the Department held a webinar to talk through the new planning framework for primary production and rural development.
The webinar explains:
The framework gives farmers flexibility to undertake necessary farm management operations to intensively hold, feed and water livestock temporarily during or immediately following drought, flood, fire or other emergency events without the need for development consent from their local council.
The Department has prepared a fact sheet in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to address key questions about temporary arrangements for drought and other emergency events.
The package of reforms also considered key policy and planning initiatives that are directly relevant to the future of rural land use and the agricultural sector, including the NSW Right to Farm Policy, Regional Plan and industry development strategies.
The framework introduces updated rural planning and subdivision principles into Ministerial Direction 1.5 – Rural Lands. These principles aim to achieve a balance between rural needs, including farming, and development, and to reduce the risk of land use conflict and rural land fragmentation.
The Ministerial Direction now also applies to the Central Coast, Wollondilly and Hawkesbury local government areas, as these areas contain extensive rural and peri-urban lands that deserve careful strategic consideration.
You can also subscribe to the Department newsletter for regular updates from the Department.
Page last updated: 13/08/2019