However, council also decided, on a four-three vote, to move ahead with a study that sets the framework for the controversial significant landscape overlays.
About 24 Protect Our Farms members and supporters gathered outside the council chambers on the night of the vote, wearing hats with logos and holding placards protesting the overlays.
The endorsement was passed subject to several last-minute amendments, including modifications to native vegetation provisions, exemptions for farm sheds, balancing rural amenity with agricultural objectives, additional consultation to include specific farming-aligned groups and the introduction of an impact assessment.
Despite these eleventh-hour concessions, the protest group has significant concerns about whether these conditions will be implemented effectively, given what it calls a flawed nature of the process and the resulting three volumes of the landscape study.
Council says the motions carried came with several key modifications aimed at balancing environmental protection with the practical needs of the shire’s agricultural community.
The study is a comprehensive review of the shire’s landscapes, identifying areas of regional significance and proposing the application of a significant landscape overlay to protect these areas. There are also changes proposed to the existing SLO permit requirements in the Tallarook area.
The study has been developed over three stages, with community consultation, including 16 drop-in sessions, and 112 submissions received from residents and stakeholders.
Council says the study aims to enhance the shire’s natural beauty and rural character while supporting sustainable development and agricultural practices.
Council says an impact assessment of the proposed permits and application process will be conducted within the next six months.
This assessment will evaluate the potential positive and negative impacts on the environment, farming practices, rural vistas and overall planning efficiency.
Council has also promised it will engage with stakeholders and the broader community throughout this process.
A project update will be sent to all stakeholders who have contributed to the landscape study, outlining the next steps and inviting further input as the planning scheme amendment progresses.
With the endorsement of the landscape study, council officers will begin preparing the statutory documentation required to implement the proposed SLO into the Mitchell Planning Scheme.
This will involve a formal planning scheme amendment process, including notifications to affected landowners and a review of submissions by an independent planning panel.
Acting Mayor Nathan Clark emphasised the importance of this project in maintaining the shire’s character while supporting its growth.
“The LAS (landscape study) is a vital tool for ensuring that Mitchell Shire’s distinctive landscapes are protected as we continue to grow,” he said.
“The modifications we’ve made are a reflection of our commitment to both our environment and our agricultural community.
“We understand that changes to planning controls can be concerning, especially for our farmers and landowners. That’s why we’ve taken steps to ensure that the proposed SLO will not impact essential agricultural activities.
“Our goal is to strike a balance between preserving the shire’s natural beauty and supporting the livelihoods of our residents.”
Protect our Farms secretary Rae Clark said the result represented a small step forward for affected farmers.
“While council finally made some important amendments after months of pressure, they did so unilaterally without directly engaging with us or seeking input on the amendments,” Ms Clark said.
“The amendments seem to address concerns highlighted by Protect Our Farms during our August 15 presentation to more than 50 people at Glenaroua Landcare.
“However, every concern raised in that presentation had already been documented to council’s planning staff multiple times, both in writing and verbally, yet was disregarded until significant public pressure mounted.”
