Draft Rural Land Use Strategy
Berrigan Shire Council has adopted its Draft Rural Land Use Strategy (RLUS) for public notice and community feedback for a period of two months.
The RLUS has been developed to guide the future use and development of rural land across the Shire and will help inform potential updates to the Berrigan Local Environmental Plan (LEP).
The Strategy addresses both long-standing and emerging challenges facing rural communities, including agricultural viability, land fragmentation, succession planning, environmental resilience, and population change.
It provides a strategic framework for future land use decisions, ensuring planning controls support sustainable growth while balancing community values, economic opportunities, and environmental considerations.
Key Priorities
- Protect productive agricultural land
- Prevent unnecessary land fragmentation
- Support agriculture-related housing with approved Farm Management Plans
- Direct rural lifestyle development to appropriate locations near townships
- Consider environmental risks and infrastructure capacity in future planning
Why Is This Important?
- Increasing demand for rural living and "tree change" properties
- Rising land values and subdivision pressure
- Clarifying dwelling entitlement and land use expectations
- Managing flood, bushfire, and land use conflict risks
Planning Approach
- Maintain large lots in RU1 zones; allow smaller lots near townships where suitable.
- Consider tiered zoning, including RU4 small lot agriculture.
- Apply a place based approach:
Barooga & Tocumwal: strong growth areas
Finley: mixed housing opportunities
Berrigan: moderate expansion with buffers
Council encourages residents, landowners, businesses, and community stakeholders to review the Draft RLUS and provide feedback during the public comment period.
Q&A Sessions
Want to learn more or ask questions in person? Come along to one of our friendly drop-in sessions:
- Tuesday 21 July – Berrigan Library, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday 22 July – Barooga Library, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday 29 July – Finley Library, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
- Thursday 30 July – Tocumwal Library, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
A copy of the Draft Rural Land Use Strategy is available here.(PDF, 8MB)
This plan is also available from the Council’s office and at the Berrigan, Barooga, Finley, and Tocumwal libraries for inspection by residents.
Submissions commenting on the above plans must be received by 5:00pm 24 August 2026.
Click here to view form.