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Rural Tourism Policy

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This public exhibtion has concluded and the opportunity to make submissions has closed.

Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking comment about a draft Rural Tourism Policy.

The draft policy clarifies what tourism activities are currently permissible in the Shire’s rural areas as well as proposing a mechanism for determining where and when E3 Environmental Management zoned land will be considered for rezoning to SP3 Tourist.

The purpose of this draft policy is to provide a strategic framework within which tourism, agriculture and our Shire’s unique environmental sensitivities can all mutually coexist.

One of the key recommendations of the draft policy is to permit ‘Artisan food and drink industry’ with consent in Primary Production, Rural Landscape and Tourist designated land use areas across the Shire.

Basically, we’re investigating ways in which we can provide more opportunities for appropriate agri-businesses in rural areas. At the same time we want to ensure we maintain the right balance with our residents, environment and unique heritage areas.

The exhibition period will remain open for three months. During this time Council will organise information sessions with tourism stakeholders and other interested parties - see News Item below.

Submissions and feedback close at 4.30pm on Friday 1 March 2019.

Following the close of the exhibition period, a final report considering submissions will be presented to Council.

Council also resolved that the following draft amendments to WLEP 2010 be included with the exhibition of the draft Rural Tourism Policy:

a) increase the maximum number of bedrooms in farm stay accommodation from three (3) to five (5), and

b) permit Artisan food and drink industry with consent in the following zones:

  1. RU1 Primary Production,
  2. RU2 Rural Landscape,
  3. RU4 Primary Production Small Lots, and
  4. SP3 Tourist

c) exclude Function Centres in the E3 Environmental Management zone from the operation of Clause 2.8 Temporary Use of Land.

STAY INFORMED AND LEARN MORE: Subscribe to project updates so we can keep you informed.

For further information contact Council’s Strategic Planning Unit on phone 4868 0888.

READ THE DRAFT DOCUMENTS: The draft Rural Tourism Policy and documentation may be viewed in the Document Library, at the Civic Centre and libraries.

MAKE A SUBMISSION: Written submissions may be completed online below, hand delivered to the Civic Centre, emailed to mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au, or posted to Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141 Moss Vale NSW 2577. All submissions must quote file reference 1900/1 and be received by Council before 4.30pm on Friday 1 March 2018.

Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking comment about a draft Rural Tourism Policy.

The draft policy clarifies what tourism activities are currently permissible in the Shire’s rural areas as well as proposing a mechanism for determining where and when E3 Environmental Management zoned land will be considered for rezoning to SP3 Tourist.

The purpose of this draft policy is to provide a strategic framework within which tourism, agriculture and our Shire’s unique environmental sensitivities can all mutually coexist.

One of the key recommendations of the draft policy is to permit ‘Artisan food and drink industry’ with consent in Primary Production, Rural Landscape and Tourist designated land use areas across the Shire.

Basically, we’re investigating ways in which we can provide more opportunities for appropriate agri-businesses in rural areas. At the same time we want to ensure we maintain the right balance with our residents, environment and unique heritage areas.

The exhibition period will remain open for three months. During this time Council will organise information sessions with tourism stakeholders and other interested parties - see News Item below.

Submissions and feedback close at 4.30pm on Friday 1 March 2019.

Following the close of the exhibition period, a final report considering submissions will be presented to Council.

Council also resolved that the following draft amendments to WLEP 2010 be included with the exhibition of the draft Rural Tourism Policy:

a) increase the maximum number of bedrooms in farm stay accommodation from three (3) to five (5), and

b) permit Artisan food and drink industry with consent in the following zones:

  1. RU1 Primary Production,
  2. RU2 Rural Landscape,
  3. RU4 Primary Production Small Lots, and
  4. SP3 Tourist

c) exclude Function Centres in the E3 Environmental Management zone from the operation of Clause 2.8 Temporary Use of Land.

STAY INFORMED AND LEARN MORE: Subscribe to project updates so we can keep you informed.

For further information contact Council’s Strategic Planning Unit on phone 4868 0888.

READ THE DRAFT DOCUMENTS: The draft Rural Tourism Policy and documentation may be viewed in the Document Library, at the Civic Centre and libraries.

MAKE A SUBMISSION: Written submissions may be completed online below, hand delivered to the Civic Centre, emailed to mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au, or posted to Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141 Moss Vale NSW 2577. All submissions must quote file reference 1900/1 and be received by Council before 4.30pm on Friday 1 March 2018.

This public exhibtion has concluded and the opportunity to make submissions has closed.

  • Rural Tourism Policy Adopted

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    Wingecarribee Shire Council considered the submissions received during public exhibition and adopted the subsequent Rural Tourism Policy on Wednesday 13 November 2019.

    Public Exhibition of the draft Rural Tourism Policy and draft WLEP 2010 amendments was undertaken from 28 November 2018 to 1 March 2019. A total of 21 submissions were received, 10 from individual community members, a further four (4) from rural property owners with an expressed interest in potential rural tourism options, and seven (7) from organisations with an interest in rural tourism.

    An Information Session was held in the Civic Centre Theatrette on 18 February 2019 with a public attendance of 27 and feedback from that forum provided useful input to the recommended outcomes.

    Following analysis of submissions received during the exhibition period, both in support of expanding rural tourism opportunities, but also addressing community concerns, especially with regard to protection of heritage landscape areas, ambient noise and traffic impacts a number of recommendations were made.

    The report outlining recommendations and the subsequent decision can be viewed in the 13 November 2019 Agenda and Minutes provided at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/council-meetings/council-meeting-agendas-minutes.

    Media release - media.wsc.nsw.gov.au/council-adopts-rural-tourism-policy

  • Information Session

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    You're invited to learn more about the Rural Tourism Policy and its implications.

    Please join us for an Information Session - presentations followed by question time.
    WHEN: Monday 18 February 2019 from 5pm to 7pm
    RSVP at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/information-session-about-draft-rural-tourism-policy-registration-55741642754

    For further information contact Council’s Strategic Planning Unit on phone 4868 0854.

  • MEDIA RELEASE

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    Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking comment from interested parties after councillors endorsed the public exhibition of a draft Rural Tourism Policy at the last Ordinary Council Meeting of November.

    The draft policy clarifies what tourism activities are currently permissible in the Shire’s rural areas as well as proposing a mechanism for determining where and when E3 Environmental Management zoned land will be considered for rezoning to SP3 Tourist.

    Council’s Group Manager of Planning, Development and Regulatory Services, Nick Wilton, explained the purpose of the draft policy.

    “The tourism market is one of the largest industries in the Southern Highlands,” he said. “Tourism-related activities provide almost 2,300 full-time jobs across the Shire and many more part-time roles.”

    “At the same time we’re aware of the economic challenges that often face rural communities such as ours.

    “The purpose of this draft policy is to provide a strategic framework within which tourism, agriculture and our Shire’s unique environmental sensitivities can all mutually coexist.”

    One of the key recommendations of the draft policy is to permit ‘Artisan food and drink industry’ with consent in Primary Production, Rural Landscape and Tourist designated land use areas across the Shire.

    “Basically, we’re investigating ways in which we can provide more opportunities for appropriate agri-businesses in rural areas,” Mr Wilton added. “At the same time we want to ensure we maintain the right balance with our residents, environment and unique heritage areas.”

    To view a copy of the draft policy visit www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au/rural-tourism or view in person at Council’s Civic Centre located at 68 Elizabeth Street in Moss Vale.

    Submissions can be made online or in writing addressed to the Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141 Moss Vale 2577 or alternatively by email at mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au.

    The exhibition period will remain open for three months. During this time Council will organise information sessions with tourism stakeholders and other interested parties.

    Submissions and feedback close at 4.30pm on Friday 1 March 2019.

    Following the close of the exhibition period, a final report considering submissions will be presented to Council.

    For further information contact Council’s Strategic Planning Unit on phone 4868 0888.