The VFF is disappointed that the Allen Government’s Plan for Victoria is silent on agriculture, with the exception of a place for urban development.
Agriculture is the primary use on 62% of Victoria. Agricultural products are the main source of export income in Victoria.
The VFF will respond with the key pain points in the planning system and VFF’s recommended actions that have been submitted to Government since the adoption of our Right to Farm Policy in 2017.
The VFF will respond to the key issues that must be addressed to deliver a planning system that supports agriculture in Victoria as outlined in our submission to the parliamentary inquiry into Victoria’s food supply.
How you can support our advocacy
To show the Government that Victoria does not end at the former car plants in Broadmeadows, Geelong and Dandenong and that that agriculture is the main land use by area in Victoria , is the mainstay of our export economy and a key source of employment we need as many rural Victorians as possible to call for this document to really be for all kinds of Victoria and all kinds of Victorians by :
– Doing the survey and talk about regional / rural issues.
– Sharing your vision for Victoria in 2050 – or comment on someone else’s (search farm or agriculture)
– Use the map to include the vision for where you live. Don’t assume that any other maps will be referred to. This could also be used to raise concerns – fire risk; invasive species etc.
– Share any work or information you have on what is needed in your area with the VFF or your local branch to use on our submission.
– Ask your local member of parliament how they will advocate for the Plan for Victoria to support agriculture.
Areas of improvement in the planning system
Mapping – identifying agricultural areas of significance at the local, regional and state level.
Policy – strengthening state policy for agriculture so that it recognises agriculture as a key economic driver for the state and regions.
- Including local, regional and state significant agriculture in the agriculture policy, including opportunities for growth and land use conflicts / risks to be managed.
Planning provisions – reviewing zone, overlay and general & particular provisions that provide challenges for agriculture. Eg standardising exemptions for vegetation removal across the native vegetation clause and overlays.
Practice and Guidance Materials – supporting planners to understand what may lead to a land use conflict that impacts ongoing agricultural land use on the site or on neighbours property.