"There has recently been considerable media interest concerning the management of agricultural land.

"Many of these articles have contained inaccuracies. The Director General of the Department of Planning has now written to all 152 Councils to clarify the NSW Government policy on this topic.

"Agriculture is a significant industry to NSW with a value in 2001 of $8 billion and employing some 87,000. It is the most important industry to the local economy and community.

"The Director General has advised that due to the substantial contribution of agriculture, and the need to ensure that our potential to grow food and fibre is maintained for the long term, government policy seeks to protect agriculture and the finite land supply upon which it depends from inappropriate development and in turn, land use conflict and fragmentation.

"The Standard Local Environment Plan (LEP) which must be approved by the State Government does not propose or set development standards for the subdivision of agricultural land, nor does the Department propose a 'one-size-fits-all'

position.

"Government policy requires that one of the key considerations in determining the minimum lot size, or sizes, is the area required to sustain a farming enterprise typical for the locality.

"This will take into account the predominant agricultural industries in locality and include planning for intensive agriculture.

"The Department of Planning acknowledges that there are demands for varied housing choices including rural residential or ‘lifestyle' development.

"However, such development has the potential to adversely impact upon agriculture and other primary industries if not appropriately located. ‘Concessional lots' are, however, an inappropriate form of development and the Department will seek to have such planning provision removed.

"The Department of Planning through Council's Environmental staff and consultants are pushing the State Governments policy of protecting agricultural land."