Kiama Council has updated its agritourism guidelines in a bid to support the rapidly growing local industry.
Council Director Planning, Environment & Communities, Jessica Rippon said the updated guidelines include general controls for agritourism and specific controls for farm gate premises, farm experience premises and farm stay accommodation.
“Kiama Council has a role to play in creating a strong and diverse economy. This includes encouraging tourism offerings such as agribusiness,” Ms Rippon said.
“These new guidelines provide our agritourism operators clarity when it comes to planning their business while managing the environmental impacts properly.
“This not only helps the business operator, but our whole community, which has made it clear they want a sustainable environment, including an active agricultural industry, rather than farms converted to residential development.”
Council Manager Tourism & Events, Sally Bursell said agritourism was a growing sector that brings visitors to regional areas to experience and interact with elements across the food chain.
“Australians have an increasing interest in all things culinary, from celebrity chefs to street food. This includes learning about and actually experiencing first hand where their food comes from,” Ms Bursell said.
“By supporting agritourism, we are not only diversifying the range of experiences on offer to our visitors, but ensuring the future viability of our farms, and future of our iconic green rolling hills.”
The updated guidelines are contained in the Kiama Development Control Plan 2020 (Kiama DCP), Chapter 13 – Agritourism.
The changes are based on the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s Model DCP – Agritourism, with modifications to reflect local environmental and planning objectives.
The amendments and inclusions mainly relate to noise pollution control from farm gate premises and farm experience premises.
Council is seeking feedback regarding the new guidelines, before finalising the update to its DCP.
Public submissions can be made until 5pm, Monday 15 January 2024.
Further information: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/agritourism-dcp.
