Central Coast hinterland farmers will no longer be required to seek planning approval when they operate with more than 100 visitors at a time, under newly amended agritourism policy.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully confirmed the NSW Government would amend the Agritourism Policy to ensure pick-your-own-fruit farm operations are allowed to operate with more than 100 visitors at a time without the need for planning approval.
The agritourism policy was introduced on December 1, 2022, with the aim of making it easier for farmers to make secondary use of their land for agritourism.
Proposed changes were exhibited in early 2021 and further engagement with councils and industry informed the final policy.
In 2020-21 the total value of agricultural output on the Central Coast area was $178M.
Pick-your-own farms is a growing industry and ecotourism opportunity on the Central Coast, mostly centred on the Central Coast plateau and Mandalong Valley.
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said the announcement was welcome news for local farmers who were keen to diversify their businesses and take advantage of the burgeoning pick-your-own tourism industry.
“The cap was an unnecessary obstacle for these farmers,” he said.
“It’s also great for tourism on the Central Coast, providing our visitors a wealth of experiences and cementing our reputation as a top eco-tourist destination.”
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the changes represented a real opportunity for foodies and farmers on the Central Coast to showcase the abundance of fresh produce and products to the community.
“This will be particularly beneficial during harvest times, when our rural farming businesses are bursting with bounty, food and flowers that the general public can explore and enjoy,” she said.
“It’s also important we strike a balance for growing farm businesses and local communities – more farm visitors can mean more traffic, parking issues and the need for increased basic public amenities such as bathrooms.”
Central Coast Plateau Chamber of Commerce President and Wyuna Farms owner Lorraine Wilson said agritourism represented a significant opportunity for local farmers, especially at the various harvest times throughout the year when there might be an excess of ripe-from-the-tree or plant which could not be marketed through the usual channels.
“The move to allow more than 100 people on pick-your-own properties without the need for planning approval is a step in the right direction,” she said.
“However there is no magic number from a red-tape perspective for agritourism businesses wishing to maximise the use of their land for such purposes.
“A real opportunity exists for plateau producers to provide city families with valuable time out from high-rises and tightly-built suburbia and help connect their children with rural life.
“A visit to a farm teaches all manner of skills which can’t be taught in the classroom and helps build an understanding of where our food comes from and talk with the farmer who produces it.
“We have to give families cost-effective recreational options and opportunities.”
Source:
NSW Government