Mitchell Shire Council recently concluded the community consultation process for the Landscape Assessment Study (LAS), conducted between February 2021 and April 2024. The study aims to manage development and preserve significant landscapes within the Shire.
Consultation was rolled out in three volumes, each targeting specific aspects of the study:
Volume 1:Landscape Character (Feb - June 2021): Identified landscape character types and sought initial community input.
Volume 2:Landscape Significance (Feb - April 2023): Focused on identifying significant landscapes, with direct notification to 999 properties of regional significance, multiple drop-in sessions, and presence at the Seymour Alternative Agricultural Expo.
Volume 3:Landscape Protection and Management (Oct - Dec 2023): Proposed new Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) areas and involved direct notifications, drop-in sessions, and additional meetings with affected landowners.
Throughout the consultation, Council received a total of 110 submissions. Key feedback highlights include:
- Strong support from various State authorities and community groups
- Concerns from property owners about the impact of SLOs on farming operations
- Requests for adjustments to SLO extents and provisions
Based on the feedback, several updates have been made to the SLO planning provisions to minimise the impact on farming operations. The final recommendations, including minor updates to existing provisions, will be presented in a Council Report for endorsement of the LAS at an Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday, 19 August.
Mitchell Shire Council acknowledge all participants for their valuable input and recognises a balance needs to be struck between protecting the amenity of our significant landscapes with ongoing farming operations.
