“Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Peter Beer has guaranteed there will be changes to the controversial draft land use strategy, declaring amendments will be made to sections of land earmarked for E3 classification.”
The above paragraph is the opening remark of an article in the Monaro Post issued today (03 March, 2021).
While for some in our community this is welcomed, there are other considerable issues with the Draft Rural Land Use Strategy, and with the Draft Settlements Strategy.
For example, the quotes in the Post article only discuss the E3 – Environmental Management zoning.
Mayor Beer also says, “The major issue is the change to E3, this is the most controversial aspect of the strategy.”
There is no mention of the proposed increase in minimum lot sizes, the introduction of RU2 – Rural Landscape, the increased usage of the RU4 – Primary Production Small Lot zone, the proposed rezoning of the “rings” surrounding villages of the former Snowy River Shire, the proposed amendments to the land use tables for existing zoning and the inconsistencies of these with the prescriptive requirements of the legislation or the changes to the miscellaneous provisions. The optional clauses forming the basis of a new LEP are not mentioned.
While for some of our community the introduction of the E3 zone is a “kick in the teeth” the quotes of the article makes some brave assumptions. A quote says, “My wish is that the E3 is reclassified, where necessary, so farmers who have been farming their land for years can continue to do so.” What happens to those new to the region, or those who wish to expand. And another, “There are people who wish to have parts of their property zoned E3 to help keep their land in a pristine, natural environment.” and “If we can have greater flexibility we can keep E3 for those who want it, while not impacting landholders who don’t.”
In theory this could work, however I wonder how many of these landholders really understand the full implications for them and their neighbours, even if they escape the E3 zoning. If they have taken the content of the documents as gospel they may not be aware of the true restrictions of an E3 re-zoning.
A positive of the article is when Mayor Beer is quoted as saying, “I don’t expect this document to be passed in a particular hurry.” and “I don’t believe the strategy will become a final document before the new council comes in.”
Another positive (potentially) is that we might be provided another opportunity to provide comment of the Strategy, maybe both, with Councillors expected to consider this option at this month’s Council meeting.