Agricultural Policy

We have developed a draft Agricultural Policy to ensure the Shire’s processes and decisions actively support our farmers and contribute to a thriving, sustainable agriculture sector.

The Policy will be implemented operationally by our staff, guided by an action plan developed in collaboration with representatives from the agricultural community.

Our agricultural community has a key role in providing food security and in sustainable land management. We want to ensure that our Shire supports a strong sense of identity and belonging for our valued farming community.

Policy objectives

The draft Agricultural Policy aims to:

• Support informed decision-making on matters affecting agriculture
• Ensure farmers are recognised and valued as an integral part of our community
• Improve industry access to resources, infrastructure, and professional development opportunities
• Foster collaboration with government agencies
• Encourage mutually beneficial outcomes for both farming and ecological sustainability
• Establish the region as a hub for best practice in sustainable agriculture.

Community Engagement

To inform the development of this Policy, a series of Agriculture Roundtables were held throughout 2024 and 2025. These sessions provided stakeholders with the opportunity to share their concerns, priorities, and aspirations. A summary of insights gathered is available in the Stakeholder Engagement Report.

On 28 February 2024, Council resolved to initiate the development of an Economic Development – Agricultural Policy, following a motion passed at the General Meeting of Electors on 24 January 2024.

The Policy is designed to complement the Shire’s Local Planning Strategy 2022 and associated planning schemes.

Have Your Say

The draft Agricultural Policy was endorsed by Council for public advertising on 24 September 2025.

We are now seeking broad community feedback. Complete the feedback form below to share your thoughts.

Submissions close on Monday 3 November 2025.