Agricultural industry jobs will be protected in Mareeba Shire under a new planning instrument introduced by the Palaszczuk Government.
Minister for Planning Cameron Dick said a temporary local planning instrument (TLPI) will help preserve agricultural productivity across the region.
“This TLPI will ensure future rural subdivisions comply with the longstanding ,” Mr Dick said.
“We’ve seen some fragmented subdivisions in rural zones in Mareeba Shire which, if they continued, could risk the viability of the agricultural industry in the region.”
Mr Dick said the TLPI would ensure future rural subdivisions in Mareeba Shire were in line with the Far North Queensland Regional Plan and the intent of the rural zone within Mareeba Shire Council’s own planning scheme.
“This will ensure robust assessment is undertaken against relevant state planning interests and council’s planning scheme,” he said.
The TLPI will apply for up to two years, during which time council is expected to amend its planning scheme to reflect the strengthened provisions of the TLPI.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner welcomed the changes.
“Agriculture in this state needs critical mass to thrive,” Mr Furner said.
“Industry stakeholders recognise that uncontrolled subdivision of agricultural land can damage industry.
“We don’t want to see farming in Far North Queensland suffer a death by a thousand cuts.
“These planning provisions will ensure that doesn’t happen.”
