myFarmPlanner Tool Expanded to Simplify Agritourism, Horticulture, Dairy, and Poultry Farming Development Approvals

Strategic Insights -

A new planning tool, initially created for poultry farmers, has been expanded to include agritourism, horticulture, dairy, and poultry farming, making it easier for farmers to navigate the development approval process without the need for private consultants. The tool, designed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, aims to give farmers greater agency over cost-effective decisions and provide clear advice on the planning process. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty stated that the tool addresses critical barriers to agricultural resilience by simplifying the development application process and providing immediate guidance on planning requirements. The platform also includes a link to grant funding programs, such as disaster assistance and young farmer funding.

Key Takeaways:

  • The myFarmPlanner tool has been expanded to include agritourism, horticulture, dairy, and poultry farming, in addition to its initial focus on poultry farming.
  • The tool is designed to provide clear advice on the planning process, reducing the need for expensive consultants and enabling faster recovery decisions.
  • Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty stated that the tool gives farmers greater agency over cost-effective decisions and addresses critical barriers to agricultural resilience.
  • The tool includes a link to grant funding programs, such as disaster assistance, farm innovation, and young farmer funding.
  • Local Government NSW president Phyllis Miller acknowledged that a lack of detail and information accompanying development applications (DA) can lead to delays in the development assessment process.
  • The tool streamlines the development approval process from both a farmer's perspective and a council perspective, reducing frustration and angst.

Statistics:

  • The tool is estimated to save thousands in consultant costs.
  • The platform provides immediate, location-specific guidance on planning requirements, reducing the need for expensive consultants.
  • The tool addresses critical barriers to agricultural resilience by simplifying the development application process (according to Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty).
  • Grant funding programs, including disaster assistance, farm innovation, and young farmer funding, are available through the platform.
  • Local Government NSW president Phyllis Miller stated that a lack of detail and information accompanying DA's can lead to delays in the development assessment process.

Sources:

  • Eliza Spencer, "Farm administration to become easier with new planning tool" [1]
  • Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty [2]
  • Local Government NSW president Phyllis Miller [3]
  • Tenterfield Mayor Bronwyn Petrie [4]
  • Cattle farmer and NSW Farmers Far North Coast branch chair Craig Huf [5]

References:

[1] Eliza Spencer, "Farm administration to become easier with new planning tool" (2023) Eliza Spencer.

[2] Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty, quoted in Eliza Spencer, "Farm administration to become easier with new planning tool" (2023) Eliza Spencer.

[3] Local Government NSW president Phyllis Miller, quoted in Eliza Spencer, "Farm administration to become easier with new planning tool" (2023) Eliza Spencer.

[4] Tenterfield Mayor Bronwyn Petrie, quoted in Eliza Spencer, "Farm administration to become easier with new planning tool" (2023) Eliza Spencer.

[5] Cattle farmer and NSW Farmers Far North Coast branch chair Craig Huf, quoted in Eliza Spencer, "Farm administration to become easier with new planning tool" (2023) Eliza Spencer.