Mayor Jack Dempsey says Bundaberg Regional Council will consult the community on agricultural buffer zones to minimise conflict between farms and residential areas.
Mayor Dempsey said agriculture is vital to the region’s economy and needs to be protected.
“There is sometimes tension between working farms and neighbouring residential areas,” he said.
“Off-farm impacts can include dust, noise, spray drift, smell, light, smoke and ash.
“This policy will ensure consistency in how agricultural buffers are deployed in relation to new housing developments.
“It’s intended to minimise adverse impacts while ensuring that normal farming operations are able to continue unimpeded.”
Council’s Group Manager Development, Michael Ellery, said the Planning Scheme currently requires vegetated farm buffer zones between existing agricultural uses and any encroaching urban development.
“While the requirement for developers to provide agricultural buffers is specified within the current Planning Scheme it puts the onus of design on the developer, which has resulted in inconsistent standards across the region,” Mr Ellery said.
“This has become a source of frustration for the agricultural sector, the development industry, and Council.
“To address these concerns, consultants Place Design Group were engaged to undertake a planning study and recommend appropriate outcomes for the design, construction, and maintenance of agricultural buffers.”
Mayor Dempsey said consultation on farm buffer zones occurred with UDIA Bundaberg Branch, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, Bundaberg and Isis Canegrowers.
“These consultation sessions were valuable in raising key issues and practical realities that face the agricultural industry in relation to complaints and conflicts with neighbouring residential uses,” he said.
“The draft policy identifies varying buffer treatments for different situations and other measures to ensure the buffers are effectively constructed and maintained.
“The draft policy is supported by agricultural science and landscape architecture technical reports, and these reports will be made available during public consultation.”
- Earlier report: Council planning scheme amended
Most of us have lived with cane trash, dust, noise and whatever else comes along without a complaint. If anyone builds close to agricultural land suggest that they shift. I have never been a farmer but have always accepted these things as part of life. I am sure that councillors have more important things to do.
Farming buffer zones wont stop them burning and sending large black ash over my washing, hair, furniture etc. This happened Sunday arvo in Burnett Heads and is not the first time.
I would like a buffer zone where I am as we were there before the small crops that moved in on our fence line and we now are sprayed regularly with whatever they spray on their crops. This results in sore throats, sinus issues and headaches when it is sprayed. Also for some reason it is deemed appropriate to spray during the day in high winds. I have to shut up the house every time. I have been informed that this should not occur and is usually done at night.