New planning rules to boost farm businesses from 1 December

25 November 2022

New planning rules designed to make it easier for farmers to set up agritourism businesses will come into effect on 1 December 2022.

Agritourism is a growing sector for both the Australian and NSW economies and is expected to be worth $18.6 billion nationally by 2030. Agritourism opportunities can include farm stays, cafes, cellar doors, retreats, roadside stalls, fruit picking or small wedding venues.

The changes to planning rules include:

• Simplifying planning terms to make it easier for farmers to know how they can use their land for new income streams.
• New planning pathways to allow activities to be either fast-tracked for approval or exempted from approval requirements.
• Landowners will be able to rebuild farm buildings destroyed by natural disasters without planning approval.

For more information visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/agritourism

Hawkesbury City Council is working in partnership with State and Federal government agencies, business groups, charities and others to inform and support local businesses. Find out more at the Hawkesbury Business Hub at www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/for-business/hawkesbury-business-hub