Byron Shire’s Sustainable Agriculture Strategy lists a series of actions, or projects, to be implemented by Council. Information on these projects is listed below and will be updated as they are developed.
Council has produced Farmers farm and cows do moo! - a guide for new rural landholders to assist in understanding their responsibilities in land management, the value of rural industries and sustainable agriculture.
Life in the beautiful hinterland of Byron Shire can hold a few surprises for some new residents. Tensions sometimes arise between neighbours when new landowners are unaware of their responsibilities as land managers, or misunderstand the type of activities that their neighbours need to undertake in order to earn a livelihood. Weed and feral animal control, biodiversity conservation, dust, noise, waste management and fencing are among the many responsibilities that will face recent arrivals. The booklet summarises key aspects of these issues and provides useful links to additional information sources in each section.
The project was funded under the Natural Resources Advisory Committee's 'Forging Partnerships' program and developed in partnership with Byron's Sustainable Agriculture Roundtable (SART) and the local real estate industry.
The booklet can be downloaded here:
The Sustainable Agriculture Strategy provides a framework for Council's planners on agricultural issues during the development and review of strategic planning documents such as the Byron Rural Settlement Strategy and new Local Environment Plan. Agriculture within the Byron Shire has an estimated worth of $115M pa and is its third largest source of income. Therefore planning documents must ensure the security of suitable land for agriculture now and into the future. Rural settlement must also be designed to minimise land use conflict and ensure farmers can carry out their activities with long-term security.
Farmers markets are a great place to buy fresh local produce and learn about food directly from the grower. Byron Council recognises farmers markets as a great forum to educate people about agriculture and promote the consumption of local products.
Together with the Byron Farmers Market Association, Byron Shire Council has developed a range of leaflets about the importance of agriculture and buying local produce. The following leaflets are on display at farmers markets and can be downloaded here:
Byron Shire Farmer’s Markets:
Two reports on Farmers Markets in Byron Shire have been produced and can be downloaded here:
Byron Bay is famous as a tourist destination and the hinterland area behind it offers scenery equal to that of our beautiful coastline. It seems natural then that some of our farmers would consider tourism as part of their farming business. To assist farmers considering farm and nature-based tourism, the Australian Regional Tourism Research Centre with support from our Byron Shire Council, began delivery of a comprehensive tourism industry skills development program in 2006. For more information visit crctourism.com.au/farmtourism/