The Indigo Planning Scheme Review 2006/07 identifies rural planning issues as one of the key land use and development challenges facing Indigo Shire. During this review process a number of, often conflicting, viewpoints were raised regarding the future development of rural areas within Indigo Shire.

Agriculture is still one of the main economic sectors in Indigo Shire. Agriculture is also strongly linked to other significant economic activities in Indigo Shire. These include the processing of primary products and tourism. At the same time there is a strong demand for rural residential development particularly in visually attractive areas in easy commuting distance to Albury/Wodonga and Wangaratta. This type of development is seen as a significant part of development in the Shire and the diversity of residential options that exist in the Shire is seen as an attraction to potential new residents. Land-use, land capability, topography etc. also varies greatly throughout the rural areas of the Shire.

The Indigo Planning Scheme Review 2006/07 explores these issues and proposes that a ‘Rural Lands Study’ be undertaken to establish the appropriate use of land in rural areas and recommend appropriate planning controls to manage rural land-use. This study represents an opportunity to prepare a dedicated Rural Land Use Strategy that not only identifies appropriate planning controls but also provides the Shire’s rural areas with a clear vision for the future.

This Rural Land Use Strategy will be undertaken in two main phases. The first phase will include the analysis of available information and the identification of key issues. The second stage will include the formulation of objectives and the preparation of the final strategies. Both of these main stages will include extensive community engagement opportunities. The first stage has commenced and should be finalised by late 2008. The second stage and the project should be completed be mid 2009.

For more information please open the introductory bulletin.