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Figure 12. The MidCoast LGA - Location, Infrastructure and Natural Assets
Agricultural industries each rely on a range of centres to collectively provide relevant shared services, facilities and trading opportunities. The availability of suitable infrastructure and the cost of transporting products or supplies can be a key factor influencing whether an area is suitable for an industry, and the ongoing success of existing industries.
Rural supply outlets are important for all agricultural industries, providing the stock feeds, grains, seed, fertilizers, veterinary supplies, and other goods or materials used in farming. Tertiary education and research facilities also provide important training and development services that support agricultural industries and having these institutions within the region enables innovation.
Figure 12. The MidCoast LGA - Location, Infrastructure and Natural Assets57
Each industry also has different requirements, including threshold distances to facilities based on standard codes of practice. Consequently, the loss of a vital piece of infrastructure can be catastrophic. Within the MidCoast:
• Aquaculture relies on waterfront access and infrastructure, enabling the timely movement of produce from boats, to markets via intermodal hubs for freight transport by road, rail and air.
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• Beef producers benefit from sale yard facilities at Gloucester, Nabiac and Taree, feedlots in various locations, and abattoir facilities with global export capabilities at Wingham. • Dairy producers rely on processing facilities outside of the MidCoast, at Raleigh
Sydney, and Lismore. Some also do small-scale processing on-site. • Poultry meat producers must be within 200km of the abattoirs and other processing and distribution facilities. The nearest facilities are outside the
MidCoast at Thornton, Cardiff and Mangrove Mountain. • Egg producers rely on processing and grading facilities and other distribution facilities located close to the point of production for food safety reasons. Some producers may process and grade eggs on-site and supply direct to local markets. • Horticulture producers' needs are specific to their product. Processing may be undertaken on-site, and products sold directly from the farm, through farmers' markets, local shops and restaurants. • Equestrians rely on specialist competition and events facilities including pony clubs, show jumping, eventing and racecourses. Pony clubs, training and competition facilities are located throughout the MidCoast, with additional facilities and services available in the Upper Hunter.
Land use and development planning processes cannot, on their own, guarantee the establishment or retention of these facilities, but can ensure approvals pathways are available to: protect and retain existing facilities; allow facilities to co-locate, where suitable; and enable the delivery of new infrastructure to support established and emerging agricultural industries.
Outcome 2.4.2. Maintain centres relevant to agricultural industries
a) Prioritise planning initiatives to protect and retain existing agricultural industry services and facilities within towns and villages. b) Identify and monitor intensive agriculture and rural industry activities and facilities on rural land, to realise value-adding and diversification opportunities created by industry clusters. c) Partner with local producers and industry groups to prepare industry-specific profiles, including a review of infrastructure needs, current capabilities and land use conflicts, to determine potential for local ‘game changer’ projects within industry clusters.
Local Plan Recommendations LEP provisions
Rezone existing locally significant rural industry and processing facilities to an appropriate employment zone. Ensure ‘open’ rural zones enable a diverse range of rural industries complementary to primary agricultural activities.
DCP provisions
Provide locally-relevant guidance on services, infrastructure and locational requirements for intensive agriculture and rural industry activities to enable consistent assessment outcomes. Ensure appropriate buffers are maintained between agricultural industries and residential development.
GOAL 3. PROTECT NATURAL LANDSCAPES
The MidCoast's natural landscapes protect some of Australia's most unique biodiversity and culturally significant features, offering people a chance to connect with nature.
