Years after the massive urbanisation of Camden got under way, council has started developing a strategy aimed at protecting rural lands and to retain scenic and cultural landscapes.
The draft Camden Rural Lands Strategy – now on exhibition and open for comment by the public – will guide council decisions about land use planning that would impact the area’s rural hinterland.
A key plank being considered is holding on to the 100 acre lot minimum holding to protect local agricultural activities.
“As a council, we are working to strike a balance between the significant urban development and the protection of the natural environment and open spaces,” Mayor Lara Symkowiak said in a media release issued by Camden Council last week.
“The community has a strong connection to the local rural lands and this strategy will help us to retain this valued scenic landscape,” Cr Symkowiak said.
“With mounting pressure for more urban land in our area, it is important that we establish a system to protect our heritage and our rural lands.’’
The draft strategy is based on a study that established the importance of protecting Camden’s remaining rural land to support agricultural production and community identity.
It takes state and federal plans into consideration, including the NSW State Government’s South West Priority Growth Area, the M9 Orbital and the Western Sydney Airport.
Under the strategy, Camden Council would seek to reduce conflicting land uses by reviewing development controls and retaining the existing 40 hectare (100 acres) minimum lot size for rural land to avoid further land fragmentation.
Council would also seek to help educate the community about farming impacts and possible conflict with residential lands.
The draft strategy is now on public exhibition on Council’s website here.
♦ Submissions close on July 4.
