Proposal to Eurobodalla Shire Council...Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 3 The project will result in the following outputs: A Rural Lands Strategy that provides

Client

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Project

Community Engagement Strategy

Date Contact

March 2013 Oliver Young

9387 2600

[email protected]

Prepared by Lucy Greig and Oliver Young

Reviewed by

Oliver Young

Date March 2013

Job number 12/2905

Document name Community Engagement Strategy

Version 2

This document is printed on paper produced

using sustainable forestry practices and chlorine

free pulp

Contents

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Overview and objectives of the Rural

Lands Strategy 1

1.2 Context for the Rural Lands Strategy 1

1.3 Process for the Rural Lands Strategy 2

1.4 Outcomes and outputs of the Rural

Lands Strategy 2

2 Objectives of community and

stakeholder engagement 4

2.1 Principles for community engagement 4

2.2 Community engagement on the Rural

Lands Strategy 5

3 Summary of key stakeholders 7

3.1 Steering Committee 7

3.2 Land Owners 7

3.3 Producers 8

3.4 Business/Industry 8

3.5 Community 8

3.6 Community Groups 8

3.7 Environmental Groups 9

3.8 NSW Government Agencies 9

3.9 Mayors and Councillors 9

4 Community and stakeholder

engagement – Phases and

methods 10

4.1 Engagement Overview 10

4.2 Phase 1: Steering Committee 11

4.3 Phase 2: Terms of Reference for Rural

Lands Strategy 11

4.4 Phase 3: Broad Engagement on

Relevant Issues 11

4.5 Phase 4: Broad Engagement on Policy

Reponses 13

4.6 Phase 5: Broad Engagement on Draft

Rural Lands Strategy 14

5 Communications materials 16

5.1 Key messages 16

5.2 Frequently Asked Questions 17

6 Appendices 19

Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 1

1 Introduction

1.1 Overview and objectives of the Rural Lands Strategy

Eurobodalla Shire Council (Council) is developing a Rural Lands Strategy to set a clear vision and

policy framework for the Shire’s rural areas. The Rural Lands Strategy will establish new planning

guidelines for appropriately facilitating and regulating rural land use and development. The analyses

and findings of the Strategy will be used to inform a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) review,

including zone and land use application.

1.2 Context for the Rural Lands Strategy

Development of the Rural Lands Strategy is taking place in the context of changing agricultural

practices, environmental management and continued pressure for redevelopment of some rural

land. The Strategy will need to consider the management of high-value agricultural land, the

contribution of rural activities to the Eurobodalla economy, and to recognise the landscape and

environmental values of land use within the Shire.

The process of developing the Rural Lands Strategy will be managed by Council’s Strategic Services

Team with support and advice from a Steering Committee. This Committee includes an independent

chairperson and representatives of the community, government agencies and Council.

2 Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy

1.3 Process for the Rural Lands Strategy

The process for developing the Rural Lands Strategy will include the following key stages:

1.4 Outcomes and outputs of the Rural Lands Strategy

The outcomes of the Rural Lands Strategy will be to:

Facilitate the ongoing rural use of agricultural and resource lands

Provide for appropriate economic and development opportunities

Identify and manage landscape and environmental qualities, sites of Aboriginal, natural and

cultural heritage, land use conflicts and environmental hazards.


The project will result in the following outputs:

A Rural Lands Strategy that provides a strategic framework to guide the zoning, land use,

protection and development of:

– Agricultural and resource lands

– Rural lifestyle living opportunities

– Landscape and environmental values

Mapping to support the Strategy

Directions for preparation of appropriate planning instruments, including LEPs and DCPs and the

application of appropriate zoning to deliver upon the findings and recommendations of the

Strategy.


2 Objectives of community and stakeholder engagement

Eurobodalla Shire Council has a strong commitment to community engagement. This Community

Engagement Strategy has been prepared on the basis of the approach to engagement identified in

Council’s Engagement Strategy for the Eurobodalla Community Strategic Plan (2010), and

demonstrated in Council’s consultation and communications practices. Engagement with all relevant

stakeholders is an important part of developing the Rural Lands Strategy, as it was in preparing the

Eurobodalla Community Strategic Plan and Eurobodalla Settlement Strategy. This Engagement

Strategy has been developed in conjunction with the Steering Committee.

2.1 Principles for community engagement

2.1.1 What is effective engagement?

Engagement refers to the processes in which agencies, stakeholders and the general community

are invited to contribute to the development and implementation of strategy, policies, programs

and services.

Effective engagement allows government agencies to tap into diverse perspectives and new

solutions to improve the quality of its decisions. Effective engagement is open, transparent and

participatory. It has the potential to create connections between government, communities and

stakeholders that enable communities and stakeholders to better understand the processes of

government, and the reasons for proposed strategy and reform. This can build greater consensus

and mandates for change that are more sustainable than when government alone drives these

agendas.

2.1.2 Approaches to engagement

One tool for considering the appropriate engagement approach for a particular project is the

spectrum developed by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). The Public

Participation Spectrum is an internationally recognised standard for approaches to engagement.

The spectrum, or modified versions of it, are used by many public sector organisations across

Australia and internationally. The Community Engagement Strategy for the Rural Lands Strategy

will use the Inform, Consult, Involve and Collaborate aspects of the spectrum.

See Appendix B for further information about these aspects of the Public Participation

Spectrum.


2.2 Community engagement on the Rural Lands Strategy

2.2.1 Purpose and objectives

A Community Engagement Strategy is required to inform and guide stakeholder consultation

throughout development of the Rural Lands Strategy.

The Community Engagement Strategy will provide a framework for the engagement of all

stakeholders in the preparation of a Rural Lands Strategy. It is anticipated that this process will

involve a period of approximately 18 months to 2 years – providing numerous opportunities for

engagement.

The objectives of the Community Engagement Strategy are:

To ensure all stakeholders have opportunities to provide input into preparation of the Rural

Lands Strategy

To ensure the preparation of the Rural Lands Strategy occurs in a transparent manner, taking

into account the views of all stakeholders

To effectively manage all risks associated with the development of the Rural Lands Strategy

To ensure that the community gains a broad understanding of the outcomes of the Rural Lands

Strategy.

2.2.2 Guiding considerations

A number of additional guiding considerations for the Community Engagement Strategy for the

Eurobodalla Rural Lands Strategy and related recommendations are outlined below:

How will the results of the Community Engagement Strategy be used by Council and reported

publicly? The results of the community engagement process will be one of a number of factors

considered by Council in development of the Rural Lands Strategy. The engagement outcomes

(such as Steering Committee meeting minutes) will be made publicly available on the project

webpage and will be sent to those people who register their interest in the project. Engagement

outcomes will inform the draft and final Rural Lands Strategy. Following its development, the

Draft Rural Lands Strategy will be placed on public exhibition for comment by the community and

stakeholders, prior to adoption of the Strategy by Council.

How will the Community Engagement Strategy be resourced? Council is committed to a

comprehensive process of engagement with the community and stakeholders. The process has

been designed by independent engagement firm, Elton Consulting in response to a Council brief

and in conjunction with the project Steering Committee. Implementation of the project will be

undertaken by Council Officers, with assistance in facilitation of engagement activities provided

by specialist consultants.

How will members of the Eurobodalla Shire community be involved in design of the community

engagement process? The Community Engagement Strategy will be developed in liaison with the

Steering Committee which involves a number of representatives from the local community. This


is an important part of ensuring the Rural Lands Strategy responds to the needs of a broad range

of community interests. Steering Committee input to the Engagement Strategy from the outset

will also help to build a sense of ownership of the engagement process. Engagement for the

Rural Lands Strategy will be an inclusive process that provides opportunities for participation by

organised community groups as well as members of the community who may be less likely to get

involved in formal consultation processes (such as young people and adults who are time poor).

What are the engagement techniques that will be used? A mix of face-to-face and online

techniques will be used as part of the Community Engagement Strategy. This Draft Strategy

proposes a number of techniques including Steering Committee meetings, targeted stakeholder

engagement, community newsletters, and community information sessions / public events.

However, it is important that the engagement process is flexible enough to change, as needed,

to best meet the needs of the community and stakeholders. As it progresses, the draft

Community Engagement Strategy may be refined by Council on the basis of community and

stakeholder input, in liaison with the Steering Committee.

How will people find out about the community engagement process for the Rural Land Strategy?

Mass media, web-based consultation and social media will all be used to communicate key

messages and promote participation in the engagement process across the Shire.

How will Council monitor and review how the process is going? The engagement approach

outlined in this Community Engagement Strategy is flexible and Council is prepared to refine the

process, if needed. Key indicators that may be used to measure how well the engagement

process is working include: the number of participants who take part in consultation activities,

community and stakeholder attitudes, and behaviours.


3 Summary of key stakeholders

The Community Engagement Strategy will target a wide range of stakeholders – from members of

the Steering Committee established to assist in preparing the Rural Lands Strategy – to individual

landowners, members of the community, local interest groups and representatives of relevant

government agencies. For further details, please see Appendix C for Stakeholder Contact List.

3.1 Steering Committee

The project Steering Committee was established following a resolution of Council in April 2012 for a

Steering Committee to assist in development of the Rural Lands Strategy. The Committee first met

in August 2012. It includes:

An independent Chair (the Hon. Ian Armstrong AM OBE)

Eight community representatives, selected by the Chairperson following an expression of interest

process.

A representative of the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure

A representative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries

A representative of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

Three representatives of Council, being the Mayor, General Manager and Director of Planning

and Sustainability Services (or their nominees).

This group will play an important role in providing input to both the Rural Lands Strategy, and

finalisation of this Community Engagement Strategy. A draft Community Engagement Strategy will

be presented to the Steering Committee for its consideration and comment, prior to finalisation.

3.2 Land Owners

The outcomes of the Rural Lands Strategy will be of particular interest to the approximately 2,500

rural land owners in the Shire who will be directly impacted. Given the complexity of our planning

system in NSW, it will be important to educate and engage rural land owners about the planning

system and the strategy development process, from the earliest stage of its development. This will

reduce the risk of land owners becoming confused about the planning framework and zonings. It

will be important to involve major land owners as well as those with smaller landholdings.

Communications may be undertaken using Council’s land owner databases.


3.3 Producers

The Rural Lands Strategy will be of critical interest to food and fibre producers in the Eurobodalla

Shire and to the wider community in relation to future food and fibre production. Examples of

producer groups include:

Aquaculture farmers (eg Clyde River Oyster Farmer’s Association)

Fishers (eg Fisherman’s Association)

Broad acre farmers (eg dairying and livestock)

Niche farmers (eg Eurobodalla Alpacas)

Farmers attending local markets (eg Moruya Markets).

3.4 Business/Industry

Industry groups and associations within the Shire also represent important interests. Stakeholders

may include:

Agriculture industry groups (eg Dairy Australia)

Tourism industry groups (eg Tourism Australia)

Tourism operators (eg bed and breakfast operators)

Forestry industries (eg Forests NSW)

Rural industries (eg abattoirs)

Extractive industries.

3.5 Community

Within the broader community there are a range of individuals and groups who are likely to have

an interest in the Rural Lands Strategy, including:

Residents of Eurobodalla Shire (including those living in all major centres and districts)

Non-resident ratepayers (including those living in Canberra).

3.6 Community Groups

Within the community there are a range of groups who are likely to have an interest in the Rural

Lands Strategy, including:

Aboriginal Land Councils (Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council, Bodalla Local Aboriginal

Land Council, Cobowra Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Merrimans Local Aboriginal Lands Council,

Mogo Local Aboriginal Lands Council and Wagonga Local Aboriginal Lands Council)


Chambers of Commerce (Batemans Bay Chamber of Commerce, Central Tilba Chamber of

Commerce, Moruya and District Chamber of Commerce, Narooma Chamber of Commerce)

Resident Associations (Eurobodalla Ratepayers Association, Bingie Residents Association, Broulee

Community Association, Long Beach Community Association, Maloney’s Beach Residents

Association, Tomakin Community Association Inc)

Progress Associations (Durras Progress Association, Nelligen Progress Association)

Other community groups (Narooma, Moruya and Batemans Bay Historic Societies).

3.7 Environmental Groups

The Rural Lands Strategy has implications for a range of environmental issues. Key stakeholders

include:

Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA)

Eurobodalla Landcare (Contact through the CMA’s Landcare Community Support Officer to

engage representatives from the 27 registered Landcare, Bushcare, Rivercare or Coastcare

groups)

Coastwatchers

Eurobodalla Natural History Society

Nature Conservation Council of NSW.

3.8 NSW Government Agencies

The Rural Lands Strategy will involve direct input from the following NSW Government agencies

through the Steering Committee:

NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure

NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fishing and Aquaculture (including NSW Office of Water)

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Office of Environment and Heritage.

A broader range of agencies may be targeted through the engagement program, including:

NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet (South East regional office, Queanbeyan).

Eurobodalla Rural Fire Service.

3.9 Mayors and Councillors

While the Mayor (or his representative) is on the Steering Committee, the other Eurobodalla Shire

Councillors will also be involved throughout the process as they will play a key role in decision

making about the Rural Lands Strategy.


4 Community and stakeholder engagement – Phases and methods

4.1 Engagement Overview

The engagement strategy for the Rural Lands Strategy includes five key phases. Each phase

involves a range of engagement techniques such as Steering Committee meetings, targeted

stakeholder engagement, one-on-one meetings, community newsletters, community information

sessions / public events, media relations, and online consultation tools. The engagement techniques

proposed seek to target each of the stakeholder groups identified in Section 3 of this document.

Figure 1. Overview of the Community Engagement Strategy

Phase 1. Steering Committee

(Aug 2012 / ongoing)

Phase 2. Terms of Reference

(Aug-Oct 2012)

Phase 3. Broad Engagement on Relevant Issues

(Sept-Mar 2013)

Phase 4. Broad Engagement on Policy Responses

(April-Oct 2013)

Phase 5. Broad Engagement on Draft Rural Lands Strategy

(Nov 2013-May 2014)

Community and Stakeholders:

• Steering Committee

• Land Owners

• Producers

• Business/Industry

• Community

• Community Groups

• Environmental Groups

• NSW Government agencies

• Mayor and Councillors


4.2 Phase 1: Steering Committee

As part of the Community Engagement Strategy we propose the following activities involving this

group:

Steering Committee Meetings to review documents and provide feedback. The Steering

Committee will meet in October 2012 to review the Draft Community Engagement Strategy and

provide feedback, prior to its finalisation.

The Steering Committee will meet at regular intervals throughout development of the Rural

Lands Strategy. Meeting minutes will be uploaded to Council’s project webpage at

http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/services/planning-and-development/plans-policies-and-

strategies/rural-lands-strategy/

The Steering Committee Chairperson will assist in communicating with the wider community

through local media (radio and print). Other committee members will assist by talking to

community members and land owners to encourage participation in engagement activities.

(Phases 3-5).

4.3 Phase 2: Terms of Reference for Rural Lands Strategy

The Terms of Reference for the Rural Lands Strategy were developed by Council in liaison with the

Steering Committee as part of Phase 2. They will be used to guide design and implementation of

the Engagement Strategy in Phases 3-5. The Terms of Reference were unanimously endorsed at

the first Steering Committee meeting and are attached in Appendix A.

4.4 Phase 3: Broad Engagement on Relevant Issues

Phase 3 involves a range of mechanisms for the community to provide input to the issues affecting

rural lands in the Shire. This will be an input to a draft Rural Lands Issues Paper which is being

prepared by Council in conjunction with the Steering Committee.

Given the wide geography of the Eurobodalla Shire, it will be important to conduct community

engagement activities and events which provide all interested members of the community and

stakeholders with an opportunity to find out information about the Rural Lands Strategy, and to

participate in its development – with events held in rural locations across the Shire.

The Rural Lands Issues Paper is intended to start the conversation between Council, stakeholders

and the wider community about the issues affecting rural lands in the Eurobodalla Shire.

It is recommended that the Rural Lands Issues Paper is a concise paper for ease of reading. It

should incorporate key questions for stakeholders, to provide an opportunity for people to comment

on the issues that are most relevant to them. We suggest that the Paper is sent to all known

stakeholders and is also provided on the Rural Lands Strategy webpage. For instance, it may be

made available in Wiki format to enable comments to be made directly into the document.

As part of Phase 3, a number of open house sessions will be held in locations across the Shire.

These sessions will enable all interested members of the community to find out more about the

http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/services/planning-and-development/plans-policies-and-strategies/rural-lands-strategy/



Rural Lands Strategy. Each session will include an information display and key members of the

project team (including Council Officers and consultants) will be available to discuss the Rural Lands

Strategy with participants one-on-one.

Suggested engagement techniques for each target audience are outlined below.

Who? Engagement technique

Steering Committee

Conduct a Steering Committee meeting to discuss relevant

rural land issues

Steering Committee Minutes uploaded to Rural Lands Strategy

webpage

Steering Committee Chairperson to communicate with public

through local media (radio interviews)

Steering Committee to communicate details of engagement

activities with other community members (face-to-face)

Steering Committee to provide input to the design of upcoming

community events / provide support at community events

Producers and

Business/Industry

Letter to key agriculture/industry groups seeking to identify

local “champions” to act as key spokespersons

Letter to key stakeholders including link to Issues Paper, via

direct mail

Landowners

Letter to all land owners (approximately 2,500) including link

to Issues Paper, via direct mail

e-Newsletter (existing fortnightly e-Newsletter) to key

stakeholders including link to Issues Paper

Wider community

Council website to contain all public documents and

information on engagement activities. Website to be

interactive to enable direct feedback from the community.

Facebook page to advertise engagement opportunities

e-Newsletter (existing fortnightly e-Newsletter) to key

stakeholders including link to Issues Paper

Open houses in various rural locations throughout the Shire

Government agencies Letter to key stakeholders including link to Issues Paper, via

direct mail

Mayor and Councillors

Council

Mayor and Councillors to be provided with a briefing/workshop

on rural issues

Mayor to communicate with the public through local media (eg


Mayors Column, radio interviews)

General Manager to communicate with the public via media

(radio interviews, media releases, Information Updates)

4.5 Phase 4: Broad Engagement on Policy Reponses

In Phase 4, draft policy responses will be prepared by Council in conjunction with the Steering

Committee in response to the issues raised, prior to commencing preparation of the Draft Rural

Lands Strategy. We suggest that community input into draft policy responses is obtained through

meetings of the Project Steering Committee and a series of key stakeholder workshops. Draft policy

responses would then be defined by Council, prior to commencement of the Draft Rural Lands

Strategy.

The stakeholder workshops would be used to explore the perspectives of a range of people on the

possible policy responses, within each stakeholder group. As part of each workshop, a summary of

feedback obtained in Phase 3 would be presented and the reasons behind the issues raised would

be further explored. Stakeholder input to the policy responses will be sought. Initial policy

responses may be tested. A number of engagement techniques will be used to elicit feedback from

participants, depending on the number of people in each workshop.


Steering Committee

Conduct two to three Steering Committee meetings to discuss

policy responses to the issues raised

Steering Committee meeting minutes uploaded to Rural Lands

Strategy webpage

Producers and

Business/Industry

Stakeholder workshop with primary producers

Stakeholder workshop with tourism industry

Large land owners Stakeholder workshop with large land owners

Medium sized land owners Stakeholder workshop with medium sized land owners

Wider community

Stakeholder workshop with environment groups

Stakeholder workshop with residents associations etc

Webpage

Facebook page to advertise engagement opportunities

Government agencies Agency workshop to test directions and obtain feedback on the

issues raised


Council


on possible policy responses and the results of the stakeholder

workshops


4.6 Phase 5: Broad Engagement on Draft Rural Lands Strategy

In Phase 5 community input to the Draft Rural Lands Strategy would be sought through a wide

variety of engagement mechanisms including:

Steering Committee meetings

Exhibition events in key rural locations – including Regional Information Sessions and a

Producer’s Forum. At the Producer’s Forum producers will be invited to display (and sell) their

produce and talk to Council and the community about the Draft Strategy. This may be held as part of an existing market, or as a separate event.

Ongoing engagement with land owners – through one on one conversations and Regional

Information Sessions.

Media and online communications – targeting residents across the Shire and non-resident

ratepayers.


Steering Committee

Conduct two to three Steering Committee meetings to prepare

for the engagement activities, interpret engagement outcomes

and provide input to the Draft Rural Lands Strategy.

Producers

Producers Forum – In addition to the display and sale of rural

produce, this event will involve a small number of display

boards (eg 3 x A0 size boards) with information about the

Draft Strategy. Participants will be provided with an

information sheet and feedback will be obtained face to face

and using a feedback form. The display boards may also be

used in other popular locations, such as local shows, shopping

centres, and at sporting events.

Large land owners Small focused conversations to be held with large landowners

in rural villages or at Council’s offices.

Medium sized land owners

Regional Information Sessions – These sessions would be held

in various rural locations. These two to three hour community

information style events will be widely publicised in local

newspapers, via radio and online. Council officers will be

available to respond to questions one-on-one and participant

feedback will be obtained via a feedback form.

Wider community

Producers Forum (as above)

Regional Information Sessions (as above)

Communications through local newspapers in the Shire and

Canberra (Information Updates)

Communications via radio (in the Shire and Canberra)


Webpage – including online feedback form

Facebook page – including link to online feedback form


Council


on the Draft Strategy and the issues raised by the community

at the exhibition events.


5 Communications materials

5.1 Key messages

Key messages to be relayed to the community and stakeholders as part of the engagement

process, to be developed with the Steering Committee, should cover the following topics:

Commitment to engagement

Eurobodalla Shire Council is committed to engaging with stakeholders and the community. Over

the next 18 – 24 months, Council will be working with the community to develop a Rural Lands

Strategy that will guide the future of planning for all rural lands in the Shire.

Ownership and management

Rural land is privately owned (legally under fee simple, common law) and managed by rural

landholders who are obliged to meet environmental standards imposed through State and

Federal legislation. National Parks, State Forests and Community lands are a resource for all

people and their stewardship is undertaken by the relevant Government agencies.

Strategy aims to facilitate rural development

The Rural Lands Strategy aims to facilitate rural development. The Strategy will include

provisions that address rural development and productivity, considering both primary production

and service industries.

Strategy looks to the long-term

The Strategy looks to the long term future of rural lands in the Eurobodalla Shire, recognising

primary industry as an ongoing and viable activity for the area and the opportunities to diversify

the rural economy. A core component of the Strategy is to support a resilient rural community

that contributes to the economic development of the Shire.

Strategy needs to balance economic, social and environmental outcomes

The Rural Lands Strategy will balance economic, social and environmental objectives and

outcomes.

Strategy to provide certainty for land owners and community

The Strategy intends to provide certainty for landowners and the community about the future of

rural lands in the Shire. It will include the flexibility to allow changes to rural activities, encourage

innovation and forward thinking.

Strategy to ensure environmental quality is maintained and enhanced


The Rural Lands Strategy will seek to ensure that environmental quality is maintained and

enhanced within the Shire.

Strategy to provide clarity in planning processes

The Strategy will provide clarity in regards to planning processes and certainty for investors,

businesses and the environment.

Strategy to be guided by and independent Steering Committee

The Strategy will be guided by an independent Steering Committee comprised of representatives

from the community, government agencies and Council. This Steering Committee is an

independent advisory body with members from a diverse range of backgrounds each with a

different skillset relating to the rural lands of the Eurobodalla.

Strategy to recognise Eurobodalla’s rural heritage

The Strategy recognises the value of Eurobodalla’s rural heritage and will ensure that rural

industry and primary production remain important elements of the local culture and economy.

These key messages may be added to as the engagement process proceeds.

5.2 Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions and accompanying responses to be provided in verbal and written

communications as part of the engagement process are outlined below. These may be added to as

the engagement process proceeds.

Q: What is a Rural Lands Strategy? A: It is a long term planning strategy for rural lands. The

Eurobodalla Rural Lands Strategy will be based on information about key trends and issues

affecting rural lands in the Shire.

Q: Why does the Eurobodalla Shire need a Rural Lands Strategy? A: The findings of the Strategy

will be used to inform the five year LEP review including zone and land use application. The Rural

Lands Strategy will guide the future planning of all rural lands in the Shire.

Q: What area is affected by the Rural Lands Strategy? The Rural Lands Strategy will guide the

future planning of all rural lands in the Shire.

Q: What is the timeframe for preparing the Rural Lands Strategy? Council will be working with

the community over the next 18 months to 2 years to develop the Rural Lands Strategy which

will guide the future planning of all rural lands in the Shire.

Q: How can I find out more about the Rural Lands Strategy? For more information please visit

Council’s website (http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/services/planning-and-development/plans-

policies-and-strategies/rural-lands-strategy/).




Q: How can I register my interest in the Rural Lands Strategy – to receive information updates

and notifications about community engagement activities? Please visit Council’s website

(http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/services/planning-and-development/plans-policies-and-

strategies/rural-lands-strategy/).

Q: Who is responsible for developing the Strategy? Council is responsible for developing the

Strategy. The Steering Committee will provide advice to Council during the development of the

Strategy. Council and the Steering Committee will consider all input received from the

community and other stakeholders in the development of the Strategy.

Q: How will the Strategy be implemented? The Strategy will be implemented in a number of

ways. Any recommendations of the Strategy relating to zoning or planning controls will be

implemented through a Planning Proposal to amend Council’s Local Environmental Plans. Other

recommendations of the Strategy may be implemented by Council, State Agencies, land owners,

producers or others, as indicated in the Strategy.

Q: How will the Strategy deal with the lands deferred from LEP 2012? The Strategy will identify

appropriate zonings and other planning controls for the deferred lands, to be implemented

through a Planning Proposal process upon completion of the Strategy.

A Project Fact Sheet addressing the Key Messages and Frequently Asked Questions has been

included at Appendix D.




6 Appendices

Appendix A: Endorsed Terms of Reference for Rural Lands Strategy


Terms of Reference Eurobodalla Rural Lands Strategy

PURPOSE:

To prepare a Rural Lands Strategy to set a clear vision and policy framework for the management of the Shire’s rural areas.

METHODOLOGY:

The process for developing the Rural Lands Strategy will include the following key stages: 1. Establishing a Project Steering Committee; 2. Background research and review; 3. Engagement with the community, relevant agencies, Councillors and Council staff; 4. Analysis of findings and development of a draft Strategy; 5. Engagement with the community, relevant agencies, Councillors and Council staff; 6. Review of submissions and adoption of Strategy by Council.

ENGAGEMENT:

Engagement with all relevant stakeholders is an important component in developing the Strategy, as it was in preparing the Eurobodalla Settlement Strategy. Council resolved at its meeting on 20 December 2011 that the terms of reference for the study will “be determined in conjunction with all relevant stakeholders”.

A draft Engagement Strategy will be developed by consultants to guide the consultation process. Independent consultants may be engaged to assist in implementing the adopted Engagement Strategy.

STRATEGY OUTCOMES:

The outcomes of the Rural Lands Strategy will be to: 1. Facilitate the ongoing rural use of agricultural and resource lands; 2. Provide for appropriate economic and development opportunities; 3. Identify and manage landscape and environmental qualities, sites of Aboriginal, natural

and cultural heritage, land use conflicts and environmental hazards.

STRATEGY OUTPUTS:

The project will result in the following outputs:

1. A Rural Lands Strategy that provides a strategic framework to guide the zoning, land use, protection and development of:

agricultural and resource lands;

rural lifestyle living opportunities; and

landscape and environmental values.

2. Mapping to support the Strategy; and

3. Directions for the preparation of appropriate planning instruments, including LEPs and DCPs and the application of appropriate zoning to deliver upon the findings and recommendations of the Strategy.


Appendix B: Engagement Spectrum

The engagement spectrum and techniques shown below are adapted from the IAP2 spectrum.

Inform Consult Involve Collaborate

Public participation goal

To provide the public

with balanced and

objective information

to assist them in

understanding the

problem,

alternatives,

opportunities and/or

solutions

To obtain public

feedback on

analysis, alternatives

and/or decisions

To work directly with

the public throughout

the process to

ensure that public

concerns and

aspirations are

understood and

considered

To partner with the

public in each aspect

of the decision

including the

development of

alternatives and the

identification of the

preferred solution

Promise to the public

We will keep you

informed

We will keep you

informed, listen to

and acknowledge

concerns and

aspirations, and

provide feedback on

how public input

influenced the

decision

We will work with

you to ensure that

your concerns are

directly reflected in

the alternatives

developed and

provide feedback on

how public input

influenced the

decision

We will look to you

for advice and

innovation in

formulating solutions

and incorporate your

advice and

recommendations

into the decisions to

the maximum extent

possible

Example techniques

Briefing (key

stakeholder)

Written information

YouTube

Advisory group

Briefing (key

stakeholder)

Citizens’ panel

Facebook

Focus group

Informal

engagement

Information and

feedback session

Online forum

Regional forum

Survey

Advisory group

Informal

engagement

Regional forum

Summit

Wiki

Advisory group

Deliberative

workshops


Appendix C: Stakeholder Contact List

Stakeholder Group Organisation Contact Email address Phone Postal Address

Community Groups Eurobodalla Ratepayers Association http://www.eurobodallaratepayers.com.au

Joe [email protected] PO Box 1340 Batehaven 2536

Bingie Residents Association https://sites.google.com/site/bingieresidents/

[email protected] 4473 6010 4473 6226

PO Box 762 NSW 2537

Broulee Community Association http://www.brouleecommunityassn.com/

[email protected]

Long Beach Community Association

David Lambert (President) John Rice (Secretary)

[email protected] 0411 189 227 PO Box 1446, Batemans Bay NSW 2536

Tomakin Community Association Inc Greg Thomas (02) 4471 5462 72 Sunpatch Pde, NSW 2537

Eurobodalla Dressage Association Irene Adams (Treasurer)

[email protected] (02) 4474 1287 PO Box 417,

Moruya NSW 2537

Country Woman’s Association – Far South Coast Group

Robyn Wright [email protected] (02) 4474 2486

Genealogy Group (Moruya and District Historical Society)

Wendy Simes [email protected] (02) 4474 3224 PO Box 259,

Moruya NSW 253

Eurobodalla Natural History Society

www.enhs.org.au

David Kay (Chairman) Julie Morgan (Secretary)

[email protected]

[email protected]

(02) 4474 5619 (02) 4474 5888

PO Box 888, Moruya NSW 2537

Rodeo Association of Moruya Andy Mehl 4474 2002

Progress Associations Durras Progress Association Trevor Daly [email protected]

(02) 4478-6136 0408 487 083

PO Box 329, Batemans Bay NSW 2536

callto:(02)44742486



Nelligen Progress Association Jean McSmith [email protected] (02) 4478 1145 8 Thule Road, Nelligen NSW 2536

Congo Community Group

Patrick Morris (Secretary) J Morley (Chairman)

4474 2513 4474 3648

8 Burra Place, Congo NSW 2537

Mogo Progress Association Will Procter [email protected] 4474 4980 C/- In and Out, 50 Princes Highway, Mogo NSW 2536

Central Tilba Sol Ramana-Clarke

[email protected] 4473 7233 7 Bate Street Central Tilba NSW 2546

Tuross Head Progress Association Lei Parker [email protected] 4473 8106 PO Box 3044 , Tuross Head NSW 2537

Producers/Industry New Rural Industries Australia (Passion to Profit magazine)

(03) 9221 6337 [email protected] Level 27, 101

Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000

Future Farmers Network Georgie Aley [email protected] 0447 680 359

NSW Minerals Council [email protected] PO Box A244 Sydney South NSW 1235

Forest Industry Council (Southern NSW) David Priem [email protected] (02) 6981 4800

South Coast Fishing Clubs Association Brett Turner [email protected] 02 4464 1955

Citrus Australia Ltd

[email protected] (03) 5023 6333 Citrus Australia PO Box 10336 Mildura VIX 3502

Australian Flower Council

http://www.australianflowercouncil.org.au/ PO Box 237 Sydney

Markets NSW 2129

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.australianflowercouncil.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19&Itemid=10



index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19&Itemid=10

Meat and Livestock Australia

[email protected] 1800 023 100

Dairy Australia http://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/Standard

-Items/Contact-Us-Content.aspx

1800 655 441 Locked Bag 104, Flinders Lane Victoria 8009

Goat Industry Council of Australia Glenn Telford (President)

[email protected] (07) 4623 3791

NSW Wine Industry of Australia Stuart McGrath-Kerr

http://www.nswwine.com.au/pages/Contacts.html

02 6964 3526 PO Box 1638 Griffith NSW 2680

NSW Apiarists Association Kate McGilvray [email protected]

(02) 6373 1435 PO Box 833, Mudgee NSW 2850

Southern NSW Region of the Australia Alpaca Association

Jim Styles http://www.alpacasouthern.com.au/contact.php?recipient=Styles,%20Jim%20%26%20Connie

02 4829 2356

Clyde River Oyster Farmer’s Association http://clyderiveroysterfarmers.com.au/index.php

http://clyderiveroysterfarmers.com.au/contact-a-farmer.php

SCPA – South East Producers [email protected] 6492 0161 PO Box 1054 Bega NSW 2550

SAGE Project [email protected] PO Box 911 Moruya NSW 2537

Eurobodalla Alpacas Pam Harmory [email protected] (02) 4474 0800 PO Box 787, Moruya NSW 2537

NSW Aquaculture Association The secretary http://nswaqua.com.au/contact/

PO Box 3 Karuah NSW 2324

Grassland Society of NSW Mike Duncan (President)

http://grasslandnsw.com.au/news/society-contacts/

0427 713 433

Agribusiness Association of Australia [email protected] 0448 840 232 PO Box 504, Farrell Flat SA 5416



http://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/Standard-Items/Contact-Us-Content.aspx

http://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/Standard-Items/Contact-Us-Content.aspx



http://www.alpacasouthern.com.au/contact.php?recipient=Styles,%20Jim%20%26%20Connie





http://nswaqua.com.au/contact/





NSW Farmers Association, Region 11 Dave Banham [email protected] 0428 411 221

Tourism Batemans Bay Visitors Information Centre www.naturecoast-tourism.com.au

The Manager [email protected] (02) 4472 6900 1800 802 528


Narooma Visitors Information Centre www.naturecoast-tourism.com.au

Narelle Bate [email protected] (02) 4476 2881 1800 240 003

Princes Highway, Narooma NSW 2546

Tourism Industry Council NSW [email protected] 02 9267 6865 Level 3, 309 Pitt St

Sydney NSW 2000

Chambers of Commerce Batemans Bay Natasha Moyes [email protected] 0429 075 608


Moruya Graham Scobie [email protected] 4474 3981 PO Box 415, Moruya NSW 2537

Narooma Mark Anderson [email protected] 4476 4180 PO Box 520, Narooma NSW 2546

Central Tilba Chamber of Commerce Peita Wall (Secretary)

[email protected] 4473 7290 Care of Post Office, Central Tilba 2546

Local Aboriginal Land Councils Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council Mal MacCallum [email protected] (02) 4472 7390


Bodalla Local Aboriginal Land Council Tont Tarare [email protected] (02) 4473 5404 0427 735404

PO Box 50, Bodalla NSW 2545

Cobowra Local Aboriginal Lands Council www.alc.org.au

Danny Chapman [email protected] (02) 4474 4188 PO Box 204, Moruya NSW 2537

Merrimans Local Aboriginal Lands Council

CEO [email protected] (02) 4473 7288

13 Umbarra Rd Wallaga Lake NSW 2546



Mogo Local Aboriginal Lands Council Laurel McKenzie [email protected] (02) 4474 5229 32 Sydney Street, Mogo NSW 2536

Wagonga Local Aboriginal Lands Council Vanessa Mason [email protected] (02) 4476 1144 PO Box 78, Narooma NSW 2546

NSW Government Agencies

NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure (Wollongong Office)

Brett Whitworth [email protected] 02 4224 9450 PO Box 5475, Wollongong NSW 2520

NSW Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries [email protected]

Department of Primary Industries –Forestry [email protected]

NSW Department of Primary Industries - Agriculture

Wendy Goodburn

[email protected] 1300 880 548 PO Box 42 Batemans Bay NSW 2536

Office of Environment and Heritage (Queanbeyan Office)

Mark Sheahan [email protected]

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Office of Environment and Heritage (Head Office)

[email protected] 131 555 PO Box A290 Sydney South NSW 1232

Southern Rivers catchment Management Authority (CMA) Batemans Bay Office

[email protected] 02 4475 1000 PO Box 1350 Batemans Bay NSW 2536

Eurobodalla Rural Fire Service www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Administration Officer

[email protected] (02) 4474 2855 30 Campbell Street, Moruya NSW 2537

Environmental Groups Coastwatchers http://www.coastwatchers.org.au/

Sheila Monahan President

[email protected] (02) 4473 6204 PO Box 521 Batemans Bay NSW 2536






Landcare Eurobodalla Community Support Peter Gow [email protected] (02) 4474 1329 PO Box 99, Moruya NSW 2537

Nature Conservation Council of NSW http://nccnsw.org.au/contact (02) 9516 1488 PO Box 137 Newtown NSW 2042

Other Moruya Markets http://www.moruyacountrymarkets.com.au

Dave Riches [email protected] 4474 1460

Southeast Harvest Festival Carole Carlson [email protected] 4474 4395

Narooma Oyster Festival Matt Devenson [email protected],au 4476 2411

Tilba Growers Market

Eurobodalla District Show 4474 3980 PO Box 1 Moruya

NSW 2537

Rural Womans Network (The Country West Publication)

Sonia Muir [email protected] 02 6391 3611 Locked Bag 21,

Orange NSW 2800

http://nccnsw.org.au/contact


Appendix D: Project Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rural Lands Strategy about?

The Rural Lands Strategy is a long term planning strategy for rural lands in the Eurobodalla Shire.

The Strategy will be based on key trends and issues affecting rural lands. It will consider the

management of high-value agricultural land, the contribution of rural activities to the Eurobodalla

economy, and recognise the landscape and environmental values of rural land within the Shire.

The purpose of the Rural Lands Strategy is to set a clear vision and policy framework for the Shire’s

rural areas. It will establish new planning guidelines for appropriately facilitating and regulating rural

land use and development.

The Rural Lands Strategy will balance the economic, social and environmental objectives and

outcomes of rural lands in the Shire. The Strategy aims to facilitate rural development and include

provisions that address the needs of both the primary production and service industries.

Importantly, the Strategy aims to recognise and support our resilient rural community that

contributes to the economic development of the Shire. It will recognise that rural land is privately

owned (legally under fee simple, common law) and managed by rural landholders who are obliged to

meet environmental standards imposed through State and Federal legislation.

The Strategy intends to provide certainty for landowners and the community about the future of rural

lands in the Shire. It will include the flexibility to allow changes to rural activities, encourage

innovation and forward thinking.

The Rural Lands Strategy will seek to ensure that environmental quality is maintained and enhanced

within the Shire. It will also provide clarity in regards to planning processes and certainty for

investors, businesses and the environment.

How can I get involved?

Council will be working with the community over the next 18 months to 24 months to develop the

Rural Lands Strategy.

To ensure all stakeholders and the wider community have an opportunity to have their say, Council

has adopted an Engagement Strategy (you can view a copy of the Engagement Strategy online).

As a first step, Council has established a Steering Committee independently chaired by the Hon. Ian

Armstrong AM OBE with representatives from the community, Council and the NSW Government.

For more information about the Rural Lands Strategy, please visit Council’s website.

You can also register your interest to keep up-to-date on the latest information and community

engagement activities.

http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/services/planning-and-development/plans-policies-and-

strategies/rural-lands-strategy/




Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Rural Lands Strategy?

A: It is a long term planning strategy for rural lands. The Eurobodalla Rural Lands

Strategy will be based on information about key trends and issues affecting rural

lands in the Shire.

Q: Why does the Eurobodalla Shire need a Rural Lands Strategy?

A: The findings of the Strategy will be used to inform the five year LEP review

including zone and land use application. The Rural Lands Strategy will guide the

future planning of all rural lands in the Shire.

Q: What area is affected by the Rural Lands Strategy?

A. The Rural Lands Strategy will guide the future planning of all rural lands in the

Shire.

Q: What is the timeframe for preparing the Rural Lands Strategy?

A. Council will be working with the community over the next 18 months to 2 years to

develop the Rural Lands Strategy.

Q: Who is responsible for developing the Strategy?

A. Council is responsible for developing the Strategy. The Steering Committee will

provide advice to Council during the development of the Strategy. Council and the

Steering Committee will consider all input received from the community and other

stakeholders in the development of the Strategy.

Q: How will the Strategy be implemented?

A. The Strategy will be implemented in a number of ways. Any recommendations of

the Strategy relating to zoning or planning controls will be implemented through a

Planning Proposal to amend Council’s Local Environmental Plans. Other

recommendations of the Strategy may be implemented by Council, State Agencies,

land owners, producers or others, as indicated in the Strategy.

Q: How will the Strategy deal with the lands deferred from LEP 2012?

A. The Strategy will identify appropriate zonings and other planning controls for the

deferred lands, to be implemented through a Planning Proposal process upon

completion of the Strategy.

Documents

Proposal to Eurobodalla Shire Council...Eurobodalla Shire Council: Community Engagement Strategy 3 The project will result in the following outputs: A Rural Lands Strategy that provides