New Rules Boost Agri-Tourism

More farm gates across the Hawkesbury region may soon swing wide thanks to a new policy that makes it easier to set up agri-tourism opportunities.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole said the new policy would make it cheaper and easier for farmers to diversify their income and support the thriving agri-tourism sector.

“Agri-tourism is a growing sector for both the Australian and NSW economies and is expected to be worth $18.6 billion nationally by 2030,” Mr Toole said.

“It’s important we provide a clear and simple pathway through the planning system.

“We have introduced clear definitions and new planning pathways to allow agri-tourism activities to happen with either faster or no planning approval, if they meet requirements set out in the policy.”

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes, Anthony Roberts said the finalised policy will support the growing agri-tourism industry and encourage the next generation to farm the land.

“Our primary producers have shown resilience time and time again over the last few years, battling through floods, fires, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to support them however we can,” Mr Roberts said.

“These reforms will help landowners build up their resilience and recover faster from the pandemic and natural disasters by providing another source of income.”

The new policy will commence on December 1.

Visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/agritourism for more information.

• Topics:

• Tourism
• Agriculture / Farming