Indigo Shire Council is currently undertaking a review of its Planning Scheme including the Municipal Strategic Statement. This strategic statement is the key document guiding land-use planning and development in the Shire.

The review includes a range of stakeholder participation opportunities. The first part of consultation saw community meetings in seven townships across the shire. Feedback from communities has included the need to address a number of rural planning issues which are and will have a major influence on Indigo Shire.  These include:

·          Subdivision of rural land

·          Development of dwellings in rural areas

·          New rural zones

·          Existing small rural lots

·          Recent trends in agriculture

Council has responded by organising a seminar and workshop day in November to focus on these issues. The workshop will both discuss rural planning issues and set the future direction for rural development. Details of the workshop are:

Date: Friday 10 November

Time: 9am - 5 pm

Location: Rutherglen Research Institute (DPI), Chiltern Valley Road, Rutherglen.

The workshop includes speakers on a range of rural topics. These include:

 Ms Susan Cheetham, the Environment and Development Services Manager said:

“The future of rural activities is vitally important for this area. For that reason we are reviewing our current position and looking at future trends for our rural areas”.

“ Indigo has both farmers who wish to continue to farm efficiently and people seeking lifestyle opportunities in our rural areas. The workshop day will be discussing how these competing objectives can fit into our shire. ”

All people interested in the future of rural areas within the shire are invited to be part of the discussions on the day. Anyone interested in attending is asked to contact Stephen Swart at the Council by 27 October 2006. Stephen can be contacted on (02) 6028 1116 or by Email: sswart@indigoshire.vic.gov.au