mediterranean agriculture township and range system

Undergoing social change - More farmers are taking on off-farm work, the economic value of off-farm work is increasing, and there is a shift from full-time to part-time farming in some rural areas.

Aggregating - In western Victoria particularly, farms are becoming bigger to achieve the economies of scale for farm investment and to maintain productivity.

Intensifying - Intensive farming enterprises, such as aquaculture, poultry farms and horticulture are growing in numbers and in their contribution to the economy.

Becoming more industrialised - Modern farming practices may involve the use of heavy machinery and large-scale irrigation and plant equipment, all-hours operation, and the application of chemicals and fertilisers.

Becoming more diverse - Farming in Victoria is constantly changing and expanding in response to changing world and domestic consumption patterns and the need to remain profitable and sustainable.

The nature of farming in Victoria is changing in ways that require careful consideration.

recognise and protect rural areas that are environmentally sensitive.

recognise that rural areas are places where people live and work.

recognise the changing nature of farming and reduce the potential for conflict between farming and other land uses.discourage ad hoc and incompatible use and development.provide a wide choice of zones with clear purposes and controls to match.recognise the state, regional and local importance of farming as an industry and provide greater protection for productive agricultural land.They also provide important resources for recreation, tourism and timber production. The rural areas of Victoria accommodate a range of farming, residential, industrial and commercial uses and contain many of the state’s significant natural resources, such as native vegetation, minerals and water.

The practice note seeks to ensure that the most appropriate rural zones are used to achieve a planning authority’s rural strategic planning objectives.

Mediterranean agriculture township and range system