Draft Rural Lands Strategy
The draft Rural Lands Strategy outlines the long-term strategic direction for rural areas in the Wollondilly local government area. It provides a detailed assessment of the opportunities issues and future use of rural land. It aims to establish a framework for managing growth, change and development for rural land in Wollondilly over the next 20 years.
A Draft Wollondilly Rural Lands Strategy was exhibited between 24 August 2020 and 2 October 2020. Council received 31 submissions in response to the draft strategy. These submissions have been considered in the development of the Final Draft.
The outcome of the public exhibition was considered by Council at its meeting on 15 June 2021. Council identified and resolved for further amendments to the Strategy before reconsidering whether to adopt the Strategy. The updated Strategy is available under the 'Post Exhibition Updates to the Strategy'. Council will consider the updated Strategy at an upcoming coming meeting.
The draft Rural Lands Strategy is set out around six major focus areas:
Managing Rural Zones Rationalise land use to support the clear and consistent approach to land management and development through the planning framework | Managing pressure for rural living opportunities Provide direction on the preferred form and location of long-term residential growth in rural lands. | |
Safeguarding agricultural resources and the rural economy Support primary production, recognising the economic and social significance of rural industries including opportunities from the Western Sydney Airport | Conserving places with special landscape, rural and scenic value Strengthen and promote unique landscape, natural, cultural and rural values of Wollondilly's rural areas. | |
Manage the rural community, economy and services Promote the sustainable use and management of existing industries such as mineral resources whilst facilitating the development of emerging markets and providing sustainable access to water and other infrastructure needs | Balancing environmental outcomes on rural lands Protect and conserve the natural environment, ensuring that development responds to climate change, avoids hazards and retains important biodiversity values of the land |
The Strategy is supported by the Rural Lands Findings Report. It provides a snapshot of what Wollondilly looks like today, the type and location of uses in rural lands, as well as the drivers, challenges, opportunities and constraints that are present.
Land Included in the Study Area
The draft Strategy is focused on rural land in Wollondilly. This is land in the following land use zones (excluding land within the designated Wilton and Greater Macarthur Growth Areas):
- RU1 Primary Production
- RU2 Rural Landscape
- RU4 Primary Production Small Lots
- E4 Environmental Living
- R5 Large Lot Residential
The draft Strategy also considers other land within Wollondilly and their impact on rural landscapes.
Consultation and feedback
The draft Wollondilly rural Lands Strategy was on public exhibition from 24 August 2020 until 2 October 2020.
Council's welcomed your feedback during the public exhibition. This feedback helps us better understand the opinions and concerns of all stakeholders, which helps to inform Council's decision making.
Do you have a question about the Draft Rural Lands Strategy? We're happy to answer your questions or provide clarification.
If you have comments on the draft Strategy we encourage you to make a submission.