The Protect Our Farms group rounded up supporters to attend the Mitchell Shire Council meeting on August 19 that considered the next step in the planning study.
The protest didn’t stop the planning study, but it resulted in the councillors agreeing to make some modifications in an attempt to placate the objections by the farmers.
The concessions were welcomed by Protect our Farms, but the group said they weren’t consulted on the amendments.
The council made several last-minute amendments including modifications to native vegetation provisions, exemptions for farm sheds, balancing rural amenity with agricultural objectives, additional consultation to include specific farming-aligned groups and the introduction of an impact assessment.
Despite these eleventh-hour concessions, the protest group has significant concerns about whether these conditions will be implemented effectively, given what they call a flawed nature of the process.
Mitchell Shire Council said the motions carried came with several key modifications aimed at balancing environmental protection with the practical needs of the shire’s agricultural community.
The study has been developed over three stages, with community consultation, including 16 drop-in sessions and 112 submissions received from residents and stakeholders.
Council said the study aimed to enhance the shire’s natural beauty and rural character, while supporting sustainable development and agricultural practices.
It said an impact assessment of the proposed permits and application process would be conducted within the next six months.
This assessment will evaluate the potential positive and negative impacts on the environment, farming practices, rural vistas and overall planning efficiency.
Acting Mayor Nathan Clark emphasised the importance of this project in maintaining the shire’s character while supporting its growth.
“The LAS is a vital tool for ensuring that Mitchell Shire’s distinctive landscapes are protected as we continue to grow,” Cr Clark said.
“The modifications we’ve made are a reflection of our commitment to both our environment and our agricultural community.
“We understand that changes to planning controls can be concerning, especially for our farmers and landowners.
“That’s why we’ve taken steps to ensure that the proposed SLO will not impact essential agricultural activities.
“Our goal is to strike a balance between preserving the shire’s natural beauty and supporting the livelihoods of our residents.”
Protect our Farms secretary Rae Clark said the result represented a small step forward for affected farmers.
“While council finally made some important amendments after months of pressure, they did so unilaterally without directly engaging with us or seeking input on the amendments,” Ms Clark said.
“The amendments seem to address concerns highlighted by Protect Our Farms during our August 15 presentation to more than 50 people at Glenaroua Landcare.
“However, every concern raised in that presentation had already been documented to council’s planning staff multiple times, both in writing and verbally, yet was disregarded until significant public pressure mounted.”
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