New South Wales, AU

In October 2022, the New South Wales (NSW) Government announced changes to the state planning system that would give working farms the right to welcome up to 20 visitors without council approval.

NSW is Australia’s most populous state, home to stunning tourism destinations such as Byron Bay on the North Coast and the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. Regional NSW has a proud agricultural history and farms a wide range of high-quality produce and livestock. 

The changes by-pass what can sometimes be a costly and time-consuming approval process for farmers by creating an ‘exempt development’ pathway. This pathway identifies clear eligibility criteria and sets conditions that apply to all council areas, regardless of local planning codes.

The NSW Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes, Anthony Roberts said, “Primary producers have battled through floods, bushfires, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to make it easier for them to not only recover, but also to thrive.

“This policy will support and expand the booming agriculture industry. Landowners wanting to diversify their income will be able to start an agritourism business without lodging a development application, as long as conditions are met.” Mr. Roberts said.

Farmers, including through the NSW Farmers Association, and other supporters of agritourism, such as regional economic development organisations, worked closely with the NSW Government for almost two years to identify and secure the regulatory changes needed. The changes mean primary producers can start to diversify their income by welcoming visitors today!