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Foreword by the Mayor Murray River Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement establishes a 20-year vision for land use planning and growth in our LGA. It documents community priorities and aspirations for our area along with actions to enhance its character, preserve its natural attributes and improve our quality of life.

Through the development of this document Council has recognised that a well-considered and consistent approach to planning is required to ensure that future changes are provided for and managed in a sustainable manner. And as a Council comprising a range of diverse communities, this document also takes into account, and embraces, the differences across the Council footprint.

This Statement has provided an opportunity to think carefully about where we want to be in the longer term, and make the preparations in our planning processes to help us get there, whether it be land use planning, industrial development, healthcare, education or tourism initiatives. As a community our challenge is to actively address changing demographics and population needs to ensure there are no impediments to improving our amenity and viability well into the future.

The planning decisions we make now will play a critical role in influencing the character and identity of our area for the next generation and beyond. Murray River Council is a great place to live, with a passionate community poised for a bright future.

Chris Bilkey Mayor, Murray River Council

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Acknowledgement of Country We acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians of the lands where we stand today,

We acknowledge Elders past and present,

The pioneers whose toil inspires us still;

And those who gave their lives, that we may now,

On this proud past, a vibrant future build.

Source: Discover Murray http://www.murrayriver.com.au/about-the-murray/murray-river-aboriginals/

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Contents Foreword by the Mayor ...... 2 Acknowledgement of Country ...... 3 INTRODUCTION ...... 5 ABOUT THIS PLAN ...... 5 POLICY CONTEXT ...... 5 CONSULTATION ...... 6 MONITORING AND REPORTING ...... 6 FUNDING & INVESTMENT ...... 7 TABLE OF PRIORITIES FOR MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL ...... 8 CONTEXT ...... 10 OUR PLACE IN THE REGION ...... 10 OUR COMMUNITY ...... 12 Community fast facts: ...... 12 Our Towns & Villages - Where we are and where we are going ...... 14 TOWN MAPS ...... 18 OUR ECONOMY & EMPLOYMENT ...... 19 Economy fast facts: ...... 19 OUR ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE LANDS ...... 20 Environmental fast facts ...... 20 STRATEGIC VISION, INTENT & PRIOROTIES...... 22 VISION ...... 22 ACHIEVING OUR VISION ...... 23 Actions ...... 23 Implementation, monitoring & reporting ...... 23 PLANNING PRIORITIES ...... 24 THEME 1 - A ROBUST, GROWING AND INNOVATIVE ECONOMY ...... 24 Priority 1 – Grow, strengthen and sustain agriculture ...... 24 Priority 2 – Grow and strengthen tourism ...... 26 Priority 3 – Create an ‘open for business’ identity...... 28 THEME 2 - LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES WITH SOCIAL CAPITAL ...... 31 Priority 4 – Housing growth, supply and density...... 31 Achieving our vision ...... 32 Actions ...... 32 Priority 5 – Recreation and open space ...... 33 Priority 6 – Servicing and utility infrastructure ...... 34 THEME 3 – ENVIRONMENT, HERITAGE AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 35 Priority 7 - Identify and protect environmental values ...... 35 Priority 8- Celebration of culture and heritage ...... 37 Priority 9 - Climate change and natural hazards ...... 38

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INTRODUCTION  ABOUT THIS STATEMENT  POLICY CONTEXT  CONSULTATION  MONITORING AND REPORTING  FUNDING AND INVESTMENT

ABOUT THIS PLAN The Murray River Council Local Strategic Planning Statement (‘this statement’) sets out the 20-year vision for land use planning in Murray River Council, outlining how growth and change will be managed to maintain the high levels of environmental amenity, liveability and landscape quality which characterise our area. It identifies the special characteristics that contribute to Murray River Council’s local identity and recognises the shared community values to be maintained and enhanced. This statement identifies three key themes and nine (9) associated Planning Priorities to achieve the Council’s vision for the area, together with actions and the means for monitoring and reporting on the delivery of the actions. It is consistent with the NSW Government’s strategies and plans for land use planning in the Riverina Murray- the Riverina Murray Region Plan 2036 and the Murray Regional Economic Development Strategy 2018-2022 – and is aligned with the Murray River Council Community Strategic Plan 2018-2028.

POLICY CONTEXT In March 2018, amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the EP&A Act) introduced a new requirement for all NSW local Councils to prepare and make an Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS). This Statement has been prepared in accordance with Section 3.9 of the EP&A Act which requires that the LSPS include or identify the following:

 The basis for strategic planning in the area, having regard to economic, social and environmental matters,  The planning priorities for the area that are consistent with any strategic plan applying to the area and (subject to any such strategic plan) any applicable community strategic plan under Section 402 of the Local Government Act 1993,  The actions required for achieving those planning priorities,  The basis on which the Council is to monitor and report on the implementation of those actions. The planning priorities and actions described in the Murray River Council LSPS will influence Council’s detailed planning controls and design guidance, and will direct future changes to Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Development Control Plan (DCP) and other plans which guide development in Murray River Council.

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Role of the Local Strategic Planning Statement: Strategic-led planning framework

Source: Department of Planning and Environment, 2018, LSPS Guideline for Councils

CONSULTATION Murray River Council developed this Statement in consultation with the community. Building upon the results of engagement undertaken in 2017/2018 in developing Council’s Community Strategic Plan and the Murray River Council Local Profile, community engagement for this LSPS throughout the latter part of 2019, March, April and May 2020 included:

 Targeted workshops with Murray River Council Councillors, residents, businesses and specific interest community groups in 2019 and 2020  Public engagement sessions during March and April 2020  Close collaboration with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE), our Victorian neighbours Campaspe Shire Council, and the Councils belonging to the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO)  Discussion with various State Government agencies regarding their interests in Council’s 20 year strategic direction [Drafting note: A word bubble representing some of the key issues we heard at the forums will be created here] MONITORING AND REPORTING This LSPS describes the long-term land use strategy for the Murray River Council LGA to 2040. This statement is intended to be a living document and should be revised on an ongoing, as-needs-basis so that the plan remains responsive, relevant and local. To this end, it is intended that the statement be updated upon completion of the various actions identified throughout the document. Revisions to the LSPS may also be required in response to significant changes within the Local Government Area (LGA), for example, the growth of emerging industries, significant population changes, and increased investment into infrastructure and services. Council will monitor and report on progress of the LSPS priorities, actions and outcomes in an annual report. This will inform adjustments to the LSPS to ensure local planning policy is 6

effective, responsive and delivering on local community aspirations. A comprehensive review will be undertaken in 2026, if not earlier. Community feedback will be regularly sought. It is anticipated that this consultation will identify continuous improvement opportunities and will ensure that the LSPS continues to reflect the community’s social and economic needs as well as their vision of the future desired state of the local area. Collaboration with our Victorian neighbours who play a crucial role in the servicing, employment, residential demand, and export routes to Melbourne will be crucial in achieving the objectives of the Riverina Murray Regional Plan 2036 and the Murray Regional Economic Development Strategy 2018-2028. This statement also recognises the potential impact that strategically important decisions regarding critical infrastructure, environmental issues, housing, investment and a range of other topics covered in the LSPS may have on the plans of neighbouring communities. These valued cross boundary partnerships will also help deliver Murray River Council’s vision by driving efficiencies in accessing Government funding, attracting inward investment and accessing a wider field of expertise. Council will monitor, review and report on its LSPS to ensure that it’s planning priorities are being achieved, using the existing Integrated Planning & Reporting framework (IP&R) in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

FUNDING & INVESTMENT Strategies and studies required by this statement will primarily be funded in future 4-year delivery programs and annual operational plans of Council. Availability of Government grants and other state agency funding opportunities will also be explored.

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TABLE OF PRIORITIES FOR MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL The Riverina Murray Region Plan and the Murray Regional Economic Development Strategy define a number of key directions and goals. Table 1 reflects the synergy between those plans and the key priorities of the Murray River Council LSPS

MRC LSPS Theme 1 MRC LSPS Theme 2 MRC LSPS Theme 3

A robust, growing Liveable, Environment, heritage

and innovative connected and Climate change economy communities with social capital

Priority 1 Priority 4 Priority 7 Grow, strengthen and Housing growth, supply Protection of the environment sustain agriculture and density

Priority 2 Priority 5 Priority 8

LSPS Priorities Priorities LSPS Grow and strengthen Recreation and open Celebration of culture and tourism space heritage Murray River Council Council River Murray Priority 3 Priority 6 Priority 9 Create an ‘open for Servicing and utility Climate change and natural business’ identity infrastructure hazards

Direction 1: Protect the Direction 13: Manage and region’s diverse and conserve water resources for productive agricultural the environment land

Direction 14: Manage land uses along key river corridors

Direction 2: Promote and Direction 15: Protect and grow the agribusiness manage the region’s many sector environmental assets

Direction 16: Increase resilience to natural hazards and climate change Direction 3: Expand advanced and value- added manufacturing

Direction 4: Promote business activities in industrial and commercial areas

Direction 5: Support the growth of the health and aged care sectors

Direction 7: Promote tourism opportunities

Direction 10: Sustainably manage water resources for economic opportunities Riverina Murray Regional Plan 2036 Plan Regional Murray Riverina Direction 18: Enhance road and rail freight links

Direction 21: Align and protect utility infrastructure investment

Direction 22: Promote the growth of regional cities and local centres

Direction 23: Build resilience in towns and villages

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Direction 24: Create a connected and competitive environment for cross-border communities

Direction 25: Build housing capacity to meet demand

Direction 26: Provide greater housing choice Direction 27: Manage rural residential development

Direction 27.3 Manage land use conflict that can result from cumulative impacts of successive development decisions.

Direction 28: Deliver healthy built environments and improved urban design Direction 29: Protect the region’s Aboriginal and historic heritage

Strategy 1: Enhance market access and competitiveness for the Agriculture and Food

Product Manufacturing sectors through strong transport

2022 - infrastructure Strategy 2: Sustain and enhance utilities such as water, energy and telecommunications to strengthen the Agriculture and Food Product Manufacturing sectors Strategy 3: Continue to develop and grow the Tourism sector to diversify the Region’s Murray REDS 2018 REDS Murray economy Strategy 4: Boost and sustain the supply of skilled workers for the core industries of Agriculture, Manufacturing and Tourism with regional skills development and attraction programs

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CONTEXT  OUR PLACE IN THE REGION  OUR COMMUNITY  OUR ENVIRONMENT & RESOURCE LANDS  OUR ECONOMY & EMPLOYMENT

OUR PLACE IN THE REGION The Murray River Council area covers 11,865km2 and is located in the south-west of the Riverina Murray region on the NSW–Victorian border, 800km south of Sydney and 205km north of Melbourne. In 2018, population was recorded at 12,118 people. Population is largely located in Moama, Barham, and Mathoura. Many of the communities within our Council area are cross-border neighbouring communities, separated only by the Murray River. These townships operate together, with services, commerce, infrastructure, and employment provided on either side of the river (across the NSW and Victorian state border) utilised by people regardless of the state in which they reside. For example, the local centre of Moama, together with its Victorian neighbour Echuca, service a population of over 20,000 people. Similar relationships exist between Swan Hill and Murray Downs; Barham and Koondrook; and Tooleybuc and Piangil. Although official statistics only recognise the NSW side of the border, people who live here are part of much larger “cross-border” communities.

Our LGA is known for its agriculture and food sector, having both rich alluvial soil and leveraging off the irrigation opportunities afforded by our river setting. While our economic prominence has long been linked to agricultural production, Murray River Council’s economic drivers are becoming much more varied. Moama is a popular tourist destination, with Moama/Echuca1 area receiving the largest percentage of total domestic overnight visitors of all the Murray Region (26%), generating $432 million of income to the region - second only to Albury/Wodonga. Other industry sectors that contribute significantly are construction, manufacturing, health and community services, land care and catchment management, professional services, small service industries and retail trade. This diversification continues to create a range of employment and business opportunities both locally and at a regional level.

Our location on the Cobb Highway connect us to ports and airports in Melbourne (our closest capital city) via road and rail networks linking with Victoria and NSW. Moama, Barham, Murray Downs (via Swan Hill) and Tooleybuc (via Piangil) are serviced by passenger transport (VLine train and/or coach) to Melbourne and many other regional cities and local centres.

The 2016 NSW Population and Household Projections released by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Investment predicted that the population of our LGA would increase to 12,100 by 2026, however by 2018 we had already exceeded those population projections. Murray River Council is a popular ‘tree change’ location attracting new residents based on the lifestyle opportunities afforded by our setting. We are also a popular retirement destination, with 25% of our population aged 65 and over in 2016.

1. Source: ‘Murray Regional Tourism Travel to The Region year ending June 2019’. Echuca/Moama includes Campaspe Shire, Edward River Council and Murray River Council

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Source: Riverina Murray Regional Plan 2036

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OUR COMMUNITY

Community fast facts:

12,118 49 years 60-69 years People in MRC Median Age Largest age bracket

4,467 44.5% 2.3 people Occupied private dwellings Dwellings Average household size owned outright

$300 52% 59.4% Median weekly Population are couples Workforce employed rental price without children full time

As at 2018, Murray River Council contained 12,118 people residing across thirty three (33) towns, villages and hamlets. Our population consists predominantly of married couples (55%) without children (52%), however approximately 34% of families in our area have 1-2 children. A breakdown of our population by location is provided below. Our population has grown approximately 2% since 2016.

LOCALITY POPULATION LOCALITY POPULATION Barham 1516 Mathoura 940 Bullatale 39 Mellol 46 Bunnaloo 102 Moama 6165 Buraboi 65 Molulamein-South West 438 Caldwell 31 Murray Downs 271 Calimo 70 Niemur 33 Cobramunga 30 Noorong 14 Cunninyeuk 33 Speewa 96 Deniliquin-West 207 Stoney Crossing 14 Dhuragoon 25 Tantonan 25 Dilpurra 25 Thule 35 Gonn 43 Tooleybuc 276 Goodnight 97 Tullakool 72 Koraleigh 354 Waugorah 11 Kyalite – East 63 Womboota 107 Mallan 52 Yanga 31 Source: 2016 ABS Census Data

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We are largely an aging population in Murray River Council, with a median age of 49 years old and our largest demographic (over 16%) aged 60-69 years old. Our population is projected to be dominated by those aged 65-79 by 2036 which will continue to increase the importance of healthcare, community services, and housing variety within our area.

Source: Demography and Housing Dashboard (Department of Planning, Industry and Environment)

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Murray River Council continues to enjoy steady growth in the development of residential housing, which is predominately characterised as occupied private dwellings (96.43%). Housing is predominantly owned outright (44.5%) or with a mortgage (28.0%) with 22.2% recorded as rented.

Our Towns & Villages - Where we are and where we are going Moama Moama continues to provide a supporting role to Echuca, however with the second bridge and expansion of residential areas to the west of the original township, the central business district (CBD) of Moama has needed to shift west to capitalise on retail and business opportunities. This re-visioning of the CBD will create its own services and a business hub, which compliments Echuca, but also provides services and businesses to our community previously not provided in Moama.

Moama’s main street extends from the bridge directly north along the Cobb Highway. The street is characterised by a mixture of tourism, service stations, restaurants and small scale retail developments. The development of commercial core has somewhat been sporadic and opportunistic, this has resulted in a fragmented commercial area. The main street of Moama has significant opportunities to create an incentive-based commercial hub, which could include a sensitive re-design of a section of the main street to attract significant investment such as a restaurant precinct, and/or retail village.

The second bridge in Moama will see the main street shift from a retail service pass-through precinct, to a more upmarket entertainment precinct (restaurant/bar) precinct that is a popular destination for people visiting our area. The notion or vision for this area will be implemented via a purposeful and well-designed streetscape that acknowledges Moama’s rich history, with a balance of sensitively designed and modernised shop fronts to attract quality and provide a sustainable on-street dining experience. This area is intended to provide;  a destination point and put Moama on the map for tourists to visit;  extend retail trading beyond and outside the peak summer periods;  provide long-lasting flow-on economic benefits for our sporting convention clubs, accommodation providers and our local retail sector; and  give the community a sense of place, and pride in our Moama township

Commercial growth will be attracted and accommodated on land that is ‘fit for purpose’ (along the Cobb Highway), providing commercial businesses with the best opportunities for success into the future and an aim to offer a different element to Echuca. This area will accommodate a modest retail/commercial hub that will provide opportunities for chain retailers and fast food options, coupled with trade services. A focus will also be on establishing and providing education and professional health services that will complement existing schools, central to Moama.

Transport routes and freight services will need to be investigated to review the current services provided by airport, rail, and road transport facilities, with a view to account for these types of facilities in response to increasing freight demands. This examination will identify opportunities for improvement and allow us to plan for expansion of services to best meet our needs.

Moama residential area enjoys a variety of housing types. Small residential lots are focused to the north-east of the town centre and large lot residential living extends west into an existing horticulture area reaching the end of its production lifecycle. Older residential areas of Moama (east of Meninya Street, and south towards Chanter Street within the flood levee) have largely been redeveloped, now accommodating the bulk of Moama’s high density style housing (units, town houses, and detached housing on lots below 450m2). Moama’s residential footprint has grown to the north (east of Cobb Highway and north of Nicholas Drive), however growth has largely occurred to the north-west along Perricoota Road, which houses the majority of Moama’s large lot and average lot residential housing. The residential expansion of Moama 14

will continue to occur heading west and north-west of the Perricoota area of the township, with new areas for residential land release assessed for suitability based on hazard, environmental considerations, and servicing capacity. This expansion will be balanced against the protection of high-value agriculture land and protection of environmental values of the adjacent river area, with appropriate environmental buffers and zoning of the land used at the interface between these land uses.

Moama’s older industrial area is located off Nicholas Drive and has traditionally accommodated industries such as manufacturing, engineering, vehicle servicing, and agribusiness. The area also accommodates warehouses and storage sheds and a large Australian sustainable timber company specializing in furniture, flooring and timber building products. This industrial area cannot be expanded given the surrounding residential development. Based on this limitation, Council released the Moama Business Park to the west of Cobb Highway (approximately 3km north of Moama’s centre) which accommodates both industrial, light industrial, and business land. Given that this land is also close to capacity, Council are currently considering expansion options for further ‘business park’ style facilities. Heavy industry within Moama is accommodated solely on Hillside Road, adjoining Council’s sewer ponds. Industrial expansion will continue to occur as the demand increases for this type of use, which will ideally be located close to existing industrial areas to enable shared infrastructure. A considerable effort to attract further industry into the area will be initiated, and we will actively promote our point of difference to make this area more economically viable and facilitate an injection of investment into our region

Moama’s location on the banks of the Murray River provides a key driver to the tourism sector in the township. Tourist and visitor accommodation in Moama is provided through a number of holiday resorts, holiday villas, apartments, motor inns, motels, caravan parks and camping grounds. To lever off our environmental setting, investment into sensitively designed eco- tourism facilities could also be accommodated on suitable pieces of environmentally zoned land, but only when protection of environmental integrity can be managed and maintained.

Barham Barham is the second largest settlement in the Murray River Council and provides social and community connectivity to the western part of the Council area. The township offers a range of small retail premises and supporting community services such as schools etc.

The central part of town boasts public open space areas of parkland that provide views of the historic element of the old port area that serviced a once extensive forest timber industry, with the river red gum timber being used for a range of products including the building of paddle steamers. The major industries in and around Barham are agriculture, including dairy and horticulture, and forestry.

Koondrook is the supporting Victorian township, separated only by the Murray River itself. The Koondrook Barham Redgum Statue River Walk commenced in November 2002 with the carving of Alexander "Sandy" Arbuthnot. The carvings depict wildlife and local people who are significant to the region. The walk continues to be a work in progress with the addition of new sculptures each year. Redgum sculptures are carved using a chainsaw by Kevin Guilders, a world renowned chainsaw carver from Melbourne, who has produced most of the sculptures in the Walk.

The retail sector in Barham is stable and self–supporting with a healthy mix of retail and other service type shops. Industrial land in the Barham township is of short supply, with an opportunity to enhance supporting agricultural practices. Council will investigate suitable commercial/industrial land release to spur growth. Incentives may be required to enhance and attract greater industrial uses in Barham, which in turn could help support the livability of the residents within the township.

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Barham has an underutilized public open space and park land within the center of the township that could attract investment in a restaurant/café type development which is sensitively designed to address natural hazard issues. The history of a number of floodways, and the interlink of water/river corridors is unique to this area, and future opportunities for on-water tourism experiences exist. Eco-tourist type destination trips via boat which encompass the range of natural and culturally significant areas Barham area has to offer should be investigated.

Demand for residential land is sporadic, and the desire to buy river frontage lots is not unique across the Murray River Council area. However, the demand for other types of housing development within this area needs to consider the expansion of the township in a more strategic way. This will include aged care type housing estates and future subdivisions that are fully utilized, and sold prior to further ribbon development east and west of the current township.

Our Villages & Hamlets We are supported by a number of smaller villages and hamlets including Mathoura, Moulamien, Koraleigh, , Deniliquin-West, Tooleybuc, Murray Downs, Bunnaloo, Goodnight and Womboota to name a few. Murray Downs and Tooleybuc have small population centres, however have potential for growth based on a number of factors – as discussed below. Most of our rural localities have strong historical ties to agriculture/timber industry and continue to heavily contribute to the success of Murray River Council’s farming sector. These villages and hamlets largely rely on the services offered in neighboring areas with connectivity to some of these more isolated communities acknowledged as an ongoing challenge.

Population growth and consolidation in the villages and hamlets is stable, with the potential for some of these townships to decline over time due to the changes in demographics, job availability and climate variations impacting agricultural viability. Council will be actively looking at what types of services that can be supported within these areas, with a view to consolidate and promote growth through appropriate land use planning where possible.

Council will actively investigate options to apply consistent approaches across these areas to facilitate appropriate lifestyle living that takes advantage of the riverine systems, while being mindful of limiting ribbon type development and protecting high value environmental land. This process will be supported through alterations to the current planning instruments and replacing them with a new Local Environment Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP). These investigations and planning directions will need to balance the different and competing private sectors of the community, backed by evidence based information. i.e. Protection of high value agriculture lands but consideration of alternative uses for marginal agricultural land.

Other investigations and supporting reports will play a significant role to provide the evidence and data to inform the new LEP and DCP. These investigations will provide direction and location on an appropriate level of expansion of housing, industry, community infrastructure, level of service and options for land use zoning to attract the desired investments within these villages and hamlets.

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Murray Downs Murray Downs is located on the banks of the Murray River adjacent to Swan Hill. The main attraction of Murray Downs is the Murray Downs Golf and Country Club. This facility provides tourist accommodation as well as a restaurant and sporting facilities. Other developments in the area are a dorper stud, grain silos and a transport business and marine activities close to the river frontage. Limited services are available to residents locally although daily and higher order goods and essential services are provided in the regional centre of Swan Hill. Murray Downs has strong connections with Swan Hill in terms of services and as a source of employment.

There is a significant difference in the demographics of Murray Downs when compared to other border communities as highlighted in the population statics below:

Within Murray River Council Town (State Suburb) Combined NSW share of population population NSW Moama – 6162 20,205 30% population in Moama VIC Echuca – 14,043 NSW Barham – 1518 2509 61% population in Barham VIC Koondrook – 991 NSW Murray Downs- 265 11,170 2% population in Murray Downs VIC Swan Hill – 10,905 NSW Tooleybuc – 227 486 47% population in Tooleybuc VIC Piangil – 259

Throughout the Riverina Murray Region:

Town population (State Suburb) Combined Difference population NSW Barooga – 1817 7,831 23% population in Barooga VIC Cobram – 6,014 NSW Corowa – 5,482 6,580 83% population in Corowa VIC Wahgunyah – 1,098 NSW Albury (LGA) -51,076 90,427 56% population in Albury VIC Wodonga (LGA) 39,351

The expansion of Murray Downs in line with similar patterns experienced by border communities has been restricted in part by inadequate bridge infrastructure (single lane lift bridge) which has constrained regional and interstate freight movement, and negatively impacted residential and industrial investment. Murray Downs has significant potential for a unique market of river lifestyle properties and larger lot residential housing, together with opportunities for increased industrial uses, community sporting facilities (additional to Murray Downs Golf and Country Club) and neighbourhood shops. As a result of the Murray River Crossings Investment Priority Assessment completed by VicRoads in partnership with NSW Roads & Maritime Services, the Swan Hill Bridge is due to be upgraded in the coming years as the first priority for investment. The bridge upgrade will improve safety, convenience and connectivity and is predicted to increase the development potential of Murray Downs

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Tooleybuc The township of Tooleybuc is located at the western end of Murray River LGA on the eastern banks of the Murray River with a recorded population of 276 persons (as at 2016 census). It was originally part of a pastoral run taken up by Augustus Morris in the 1840s and became a significant sheep grazing area from the 1860s. The land is generally semi-arid or arid and characterised by saltbush plain. Subdivision prior to World War 1 lead to the development of intensive agricultural pursuits with fruit-growing on fertile parts of the floodplain being the main industry.

Services offered in Tooleybuc include three motels, a hotel, a general store, newsagency and service station. The settlement has a combined primary and secondary school and a branch of Health and Community Care. The Tooleybuc Bridge over the Murray River was built in 1925 to provide alternative access to the ferry to the fruitgrowers of the area. The bridge is a timber truss and steel lift span design which is of State heritage significance. A new high level bridge downstream of the existing bridge, has been identified as part of the NSW Government's Bridges for the Bush initiative, which aims to improve freight productivity in regional areas. This new bridge will be a positive outcome for Tooleybuc by:  Allowing Higher Mass Limit Vehicles (trucks carrying heavier loads) to cross the river  Providing a more efficient road for heavy vehicle traffic while still providing a direct connection to Tooleybuc  Providing a more attractive Tooleybuc town centre by removing heavy vehicle traffic- promoting the river front and opportunities for tourists to stop

Large almond plantations are being developed in the vicinity of the settlement of Tooleybuc and the hamlet of Goodnight with the Tooleybuc Master Plan projecting that an additional 10 thousand hectares (low growth scenario) to 30 thousand hectares (high growth scenario) of almonds will be planted by 2030. The suitability of the land to grow pistachio nuts is also under investigation. This transition towards horticulture is likely to bring positive impacts through employment and increased expenditure in the community. A strategic and focused supply of land, housing and associated services will be required to support the rapid growth of this industry and incoming workforce. Learnings from this process will be monitored and recorded to ensure Council is ready to respond to emerging industry in an “open for business” manner which facilitates investment and identifies appropriate areas for expansion.

TOWN MAPS To visually represent our aspirations for growth and change, Council has completed Town Maps for Moama, Barham, Mathoura, Moulamein, Koraleigh, Murray Downs, and Tooleybuc. The maps have been used as a two-way communication tool to reflect where various land use outcomes may occur in the future throughout our towns and villages, including where growth can potentially be accommodated based on infrastructure capacity. These maps are a culmination of consultation and have been used throughout this process to both communicate with, and capture feedback from our community. Formal town maps will be completed as an action of this LSPS and subsequently used to springboard the detailed investigations required to accurately assess and plan for the future of our towns.

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OUR ECONOMY & EMPLOYMENT

Economy fast facts:

$1.4 billion 4,466 2.90% Economic output Jobs in MRC Unemployment rate (0.12% of $1.2T for NSW)

45-54 years Top 3 industries 1,510,800 1. Agriculture, Forestry & Leading age Fishing International and domestic of workforce 2. Manufacturing visitors to our region 3. Tourism (2018/2019 FY)

$143 million 2.2 million $681.5 million Spent by visitors The number of nights stayed Gross Regional Product on tourism in our region by visitors (2018) (2018/2019 FY) (2018/2019 FY)

Murray River Council currently supports over 4,466 jobs and has an annual economic output of $1.386 billion (2018). Over 97% of Murray River Council residents are employed, with our largest sections of workforce aged between 45-54 (25.5%) and 55-64 (21.8%). The Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing industry sector makes the greatest contribution to economic output in the region, which at $395.7 million accounts for 28.55% of total output. This industry sector is also the largest employer with 1,138 jobs which represents 25.48% of total employment within the region. Murray River Council has strong local and external demand for goods and services produced in our LGA, with approximately $323 million of output sold to local industry sectors and over $605 million exported regionally (2018). Significant potential for growth exists in our horticultural sector, with the almond and nut industry in the west of our LGA projected to exponentially increase in size and output over the coming decade.

Construction is our second largest industry for local expenditure, with our strong demand for residential housing creating a 2018-2019 residential approval value of $36.406 million. This is a substantial increase from the 2009-2010 figures, which accounted for $14.628 million.

Tourism is our third strongest economic driver which generates approximately $143 million dollars for our region each year (as at June 2019). It is our second largest employer, with this industry feeding $103 million dollars into our Accommodation & food services sector throughout the year. Please see Theme 1 Priorities for further information regarding the specific economies of our towns.

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OUR ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE LANDS

Environmental fast facts

8 1 38 threatened terrestrial threatened aquatic threatened birds ecological communities ecological community (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) (NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994) and Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)

6 2 13 threatened mammals threatened frogs threatened plants (Environment Protection and Biodiversity (Environment Protection and Biodiversity (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) Conservation Act 1999) Conservation Act 1999)

27 nationally and internationally 70% 11% protected migratory LGA used for farming LGA used for nature bird species conservation (Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)

The Murray River Council LGA is located in the Riverine Plains in the central part of the Murray Basin, and contains an array of floodplains, wetlands and freshwater lakes, together with nationally and internationally significant forests and National Parks, including:

 Murray Valley National Park (incorporating Ramsar listed wetlands)  Murray Valley Regional Park  Perricoota State Forest  Campbells Island State Forest  Koondrook State Forest  Yanga National Park  Yanga State Conservation Area  Yanga Nature reserve Around 35% of the LGA is mapped as containing vegetation with a number of biodiversity communities gazetted as threatened ecological communities under the protection of State and Federal legislation. The river and forests in our region support unique ecosystems and act to attract visitors to our areas for outdoor recreation and nature appreciation.

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Source: Murray River Council Local Profile Land in Murray River Council is generally fertile due to periodic inundation with floodwaters of the Murray, Edward and Wakool rivers with almost half of Murray River Council used for cropping of some kind. There are also mineral resources within our area which are extracted for use in the construction industry, roadworks and farming operations, however these areas are not of significant size.

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STRATEGIC VISION, INTENT & PRIOROTIES  VISION  ACHIEVING OUR VISION  PLANNING PRIORITIES VISION The majority of the Murray River Council area has a rich history associated with primary production and ancillary industries associated with agriculture and timber. Transport for these types of industry was carried out via use of paddle steamers along the iconic Murray River as the main carriage way for transporting primary production commodities. Our history and projected growth encapsulates the heavy use and reliance of the river Murray which has been transformed over time towards a greater focus on the livability of our area for lifestyle and tourism, as measured by a growing demand of quality residential land.

The larger townships that are positioned along the Murray River will see a shift of focus from being an industry-enabling township that has supported bordering Victorian townships for many years, to standing up as OUR own identity to provide retail, business, tourism and trade service opportunities that supports our own communities. Our growth and economies will be supported through providing appropriate incentives and land uses to attract and sustain our communities and facilitate substantial investment where appropriate. We will continue to collaborate with our Victorian and NSW counterparts with our move towards a greater self- reliance seeking to fill servicing gaps, which are currently under delivered, or not delivered at all to our area.

We will create an “open for business culture” and actively identify and promote our differences from Victoria to generate enthusiasm and encourage development in appropriate locations to further ‘kick start’ our economy and business sector. We will facilitate world class events to our area which provide a year-round events culture for our region that will enable visitors an opportunity to connect to our area, our heritage, and our communities.

We will balance our drive for growth and prosperity with the need to secure high value agriculture land and protect culturally and environmentally significant areas for future generations. We will work with our neighboring Councils in Victoria and NSW to identify the broader needs for our riverine area to diversify, being mindful of the challenges facing our area and economy, such as water security. We will be ready to adapt and facilitate innovative and emerging industries, and capitalize on their investment in our communities (employment, housing, and servicing).

Our townships with an aging population will provide a range of land and housing opportunities to make it affordable for our retirees, as well as embracing and enhancing the growth and rural living opportunities that this area showcases. All of our townships will see investment in social services relevant to their demand and level of growth, and our smaller, isolated communities will be supported through connective transport services, and opportunities for technological advances.

Our area includes significant environmental features and values that will be promoted through a range of media streams and promotion techniques to enhance tourism opportunities outside of the peak summer months. We have nationally and internationally recognized environmental values that we will continue to protect with appreciation. Enjoyment of our natural settings will be delivered via balanced and considered development of eco-tourism opportunities and provision of connected community access to our rivers, forests and wetlands We will make the tough decisions now on our community’s future to provide a blueprint for our journey and a lasting positive legacy for our future generations.

*Important Note - It has to be noted that this vision and concept at this draft stage is capturing the ideas, comments and desires from a limited part of our community, consultation with land

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owners and the broader community is required to be tested to gauge the level of support where this document may suggest a change in land use, or specific types of development on private land.

ACHIEVING OUR VISION To achieve the 20-year vision for Murray River Council, Council has identified the following 9 Planning Priorities to indicate the focus of future strategic planning in our LGA , which are consistent with the:  Directions of the Riverina Murray Regional Plan 2036  Murray Regional Economic Development Strategy 2018-2022  Strategic direction for Murray River Council expressed in Council’s Community Strategic Plan.

Actions Murray River Council’s Planning Priorities will be delivered through actions and policy commitments which will be upheld by Council over the coming years. This will ensure that future development is:

 consistent with our planned direction  planning issues are suitably identified and researched  strategies and policies are prepared and enacted  specific projects are implemented  Council plans such as the Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plans are amended as required. Implementation, monitoring & reporting Council will monitor and report on the implementation of the actions to ensure that the planning priorities are being achieved. This will, as much as possible, be aligned to other Council review and reporting processes for Murray River Council strategic and planning documents including our:  Local Environmental Plan (every five years)  Development Control Plans (every 5 years)  Community Strategic Plan (every 7 years)

This approach is consistent with the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework under the Local Government Act 1993, which recognises that Council plans and policies are inter-connected. This Statement will be reviewed at least every seven years pursuant to section 3.9(1) of the EP&A Act.

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PLANNING PRIORITIES THEME 1 - A ROBUST, GROWING AND INNOVATIVE ECONOMY Priority 1 – Grow, strengthen and sustain agriculture Rationale Agricultural enterprise in Murray River Council is our leading employment sector and plays an important role in delivering quality food and fibre to support Australian and international markets. As our strongest economic driver, agriculture in Murray River LGA produced over $344 million for the local economy. Our quality soils, favourable growing climate and access to irrigation has created a diverse agricultural base, with broad acre cropping, meat, dairy, wool, cotton, and horticulture produced across the LGA. Agriculture is the dominant use of land within Murray River Council with approximately 70% (around 800,000 hectares) of our Council area harnessed for farming. The accompanying figure illustrates the predominant farming types and their locations within our LGA however this does not reflect the developing horticultural industry in the Tooleybuc region. Production of milk, rice, cotton, grapes, vegetables fruit and nuts are reliant on irrigation for success.

Predominant farming types in Murray River Council

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There are opportunities and challenges for agriculture in Murray River Council, with national trends reflecting that the profitability of broad acre cropping increases with farm size, productivity is and will continue to be effected by climate change and water access, and significant growth is forecast for a number of emerging industries such as horticulture and value adding enterprise. It will be important for Council to understand these trends and changing agricultural practices so that they can be supported and protected through the planning system. Council is committed to being innovative and open in facilitating these emerging industries in synergy with existing agriculture to provide positive social and economic outcomes to the community. Tooleybuc (and surrounds) is a key example of such opportunity, with the incoming almond industry predicted to grow by at least 10,000 hectares over coming years in Koraleigh, Goodnight and Kyalite. This will generate demand for full-time and seasonal employment, create a flow-on demand for housing, services and infrastructure, and have a positive impact on the local economy in Tooleybuc. We will continue to enact the outcomes of the Tooleybuc Master Plan to ensure that the anticipated expansion of population and commerce is facilitated. To support our agricultural industry, it is important to ensure our freight infrastructure is capable of connecting farm to market. The Riverina Murray road and rail network contributes to the transportation of over 47 million tonnes of freight interstate per year and therefore creating efficiencies in the import and export of agricultural goods is crucial. To do this Council will partner with our adjoining Victorian and NSW local government areas to understand the regional and national air, road, and rail freight infrastructure network and optimize transit efficiency for the delivery of agricultural goods to the local, regional and international market. Road and rail access connecting us to the Port of Melbourne will also be improved as a result of key upgrades to bridge infrastructure at Moama, Murray Downs, and Tooleybuc and Council will continue to partner with the NSW State Government to achieve positive outcomes for freight connectivity and urgently needed infrastructure upgrades. Council also seeks to investigate opportunities for air freight facilitates within our LGA as a method to further assist the movement of goods interstate. With the agricultural industry being pushed to innovate and adapt to reduced water availability and a changing climate, an interest in developing a local agri-knowledge base has been identified. Council sees significant merit in facilitating research, innovation, and development of agribusiness in our region, and it will be a long-term goal of Council to investigate the viability of such a project, potentially in conjunction with an education/university facility. A research/education facility may not only create positive outcomes for the advancement of agriculture, but could also act as a new catalyst for attracting new population and investment into our area. Council understands the contribution that our agricultural lands add to our economy and the subsequent need to identify and protect important agricultural lands in Murray River Council. To do this Council will commit to managing conflicting land uses which may affect productivity. For example, the desire to provide a style of rural living on agricultural land close to Council’s urban centres will require balanced consideration against the associated effects to the agriculture that drives the local economy. Council has also received a high level of interest in the development of agricultural land for solar farms (see further discussion in Priority 9). It is important to understand factors influencing the success of our agricultural sector and Council aspires to address this challenge through informed rural land use master planning which investigates, articulates and responds to the required actions which will keep this sector resilient and prosperous.

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Achieving our vision To achieve this priority, Council will:

 Protect our prime productive agricultural land from conflicting land uses which may undermine the viability of the land to support productive agriculture  Promote and grow emerging agricultural activity and enterprise  Encourage agribusiness diversification and value-adding by recognising the diversity of modern agricultural enterprises and facilitate their growth  Promote research into sustainable, resilient, adaptive and innovative agriculture  Leverage off upcoming infrastructure upgrade projects which will improve freight connectivity and efficiency  Allow for innovation and expansion of industry which works in synergy with agriculture  Continue to collaborate with Government at a State and Federal level regarding water security issues effecting agriculture in Murray River Council and the Region as a whole. Actions To achieve this priority, Council will:

 Review and adopt a new Murray River Council Local Environmental Plan with appropriate clauses, zoning and minimum lot size to facilitate the protection and growth of agriculture  Complete a Rural Lands Study to inform the future of agriculture within our LGA  Create a Master Plan for rural land use and agricultural enterprise in Murray River Council to provide long term protection of Council’s most valuable agricultural land  Investigate viability of an agri-knowledge precinct and develop an associated Agi- knowledge Precinct Master Plan  Develop a Council wide Rural Living Strategy and Rural Living Master Plan to appropriately investigate and locate rural living  Facilitate the outcomes of the Tooleybuc Master Plan  Reflect the outcomes of the Rural Living Strategy and Rural Living Master Plan, rural focussed master plans and Agi-knowledge Precinct Master Plan (if appropriate) in the Murray River Council Land Use Strategy

Priority 2 – Grow and strengthen tourism Rationale Tourism generated close to $143 million dollars of economic output for our LGA in 2018 and is currently our third largest economic driver. Our LGA attracted 174,000 domestic overnight visitors who stayed predominantly in tourist resorts, camping grounds and caravan parks for a total of 521,000 nights during 2018 (Tourism Research Australia). Couples make up the largest travel party type, followed by family groups, and friends/relatives travelling together. Murray River Council thrives on our idyllic river setting and proximity to Melbourne, with visitors attracted by the diverse recreational opportunities and experiences on offer within our area.

River and nature-based tourism are our strongest assets and improving access and connection to the Murray River while also providing enhanced/new opportunities for whole of river experience will play an important role in continuing to draw visitors to our area. Opportunities to develop tourism activity precincts along the riverfront throughout Council will be strategically investigated as part of this priority, which will also include the development/redevelopment of masterplans to improve access and connectivity to the rivers, forest and national park areas. To achieve this, Council will collaborate with our neighbouring Victorian Councils together with State agencies, Destination NSW and Murray Regional

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Tourism to deliver appropriate masterplans which will inform and deliver required land use changes via the incoming Murray River Council Local Environmental Plan.

Food and event-based tourism also brings visitors to Murray River Council annually, with our award-winning wineries and local produce providing a springboard for a number of local food and music festivals throughout the year. To grow food, wine, and event tourism, Council aims to investigate opportunities to amend the LEP to facilitate unique and/or destination dining experiences, in particular, restaurants that have river views, the development of food and wine trails, and provision of better access to the region’s strong agricultural sector. Council also plans create a point of difference by filling the gap which currently exists for fine dining experieinces in our LGA. This concept will be investigated for application across our Council, with plans to test the concept first in Meninya Street, Moama to cater for a ‘restaurant precinct’. Council will review the LEP and associated zoning to strategically locate and facilitate ecotourism, agritourism, and complimentary industries such as eateries, artisan enterprise, accommodation, and recreation facilities.

Our sporting and community facilities are some of the best in Regional NSW and Victoria, with Moama’s facilities utilised annually by professional sporting clubs in the AFL and NBL for training and exhibition matches. Our area also plays host to a number of national sporting events and tournaments associated with golf, ski racing and darts, with interest also generated by events associated with professional bull riding, mountain biking, and sporting clinics. Murray River Council form part of the Events Placement Program operated by Sports Marketing Australia and are in a good position to host regional, State or national events, as detailed in a Capacity and Capability Assessment Report released in April 2019. There is opportunity for Murray River to better meet the needs of the community, tourists, and visiting professional and amateur sporting teams by investigating the strategic viability of a multipurpose entertainment centre in Moama to cater for a larger scale of service. This project could then be used to test viability of similar outcomes in the communities servicing larger catchments of population (such as our cross-border communities).

In line with the Regional Plan and the Destination Management Plan for the Riverina Murray Destination Network, we aim to foster growth in our tourism sector by enhancing our urban, rural and natural areas, and providing greater opportunities for existing and emerging tourism enterprise. It is important for us to promote tourism in Murray River Council while balancing the need to protect our natural settings, manage land use along our river corridors, and create a connected and competitive tourism environment (particularly for cross-border communities).

Achieving our vision To achieve this priority, Council will:

 Support tourism developments along the river that do not impact on the health and amenity of the river system  Investigate the most strategic locations for riverfront precincts supporting townships through appropriate zoning and land uses  Cluster moorings and commercial mooring sites close to towns, villages and tourist destinations to prioritise connections to the river and to support the local economy  Collaborate with NSW and Victorian neighbours to deliver mutually beneficial tourism strategies  Better capitalise off existing events and activities which attract visitors to bordering Victorian towns (such as Echuca, Swan Hill, Koondrook)  Actively attract new festivals and events to the MRC area by streamlining the process to obtain development consent for events via the finalisation of the MRC Events Policy  Actively attract sporting and entertainment events to MRC area through updated recreation facility master plans, and upgraded multipurpose entertainment facilities

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Actions  Finalise the MRC Economic Development and Tourism Strategy  Prepare the Murray River Council Riverfront Development Strategy  Deliver an incoming LEP which: o Facilitates suitable growth opportunities for tourism (including ecotourism, agribusiness, complimentary industries such as eateries, artisan enterprise, accommodation, recreation, events/festivals. o Enables the outcomes of the MRC Local Tourism Strategy and the MRC Riverfront Development Strategy  Investigate and plan for the construction of a Council owned multipurpose entertainment facility within Moama (Recreation Reserve)  Finalise the MRC Events Policy  Create a master plan for the redevelopment of Meninya Street (South) Moama into an eatery precinct which: o Revitalises the aged Meninya Street streetscape o Fills the current gap in fine dining availability in Moama  Reflect the outcomes of the Riverfront Strategy and Meninya Street Masterplans in the incoming Murray River Council Land Use Strategy.

Priority 3 – Create an ‘open for business’ identity Rationale Murray River Council has a diverse business base which incorporates agriculture, accommodation and food services, retail trade, and health care and social assistance. The top industries for Murray River Council (as a whole) are set out in the Table below:

MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL RANK INDUSTRY % EMPLOYMENT 1 Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing 25.48% 2 Accommodation & Food Services 18.81% 3 Education & Training 7.28% 4 Retail Trade 6.94% 5 Manufacturing 6.87%

These top 5 industries are closely followed by ‘Health Care & Social Assistance’ (ranked 6th with 6.61% employment) and ‘Construction’ (ranked 7th with 6.25% employment). Our villages and hamlets are almost completely dominated by employment in the Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing industry, however the majority of our businesses, employment and commercial opportunity is located in Moama and Barham. Council are in a prime position to capitalise on our location and expected population growth to attract investment into the local economy. As Murray River continues to grow, it will be important for Council to understand business opportunities and the supply of land in our townships, and create a point of difference to what is already available within not only our area, but also neighbouring Council areas. Moama Moama’s commercial base offers a range of medical, retail, professional, industrial, accommodation and hospitality services to the community and is also bolstered by the Echuca’s commercial base. Industries in Moama are (in order) centred around

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Accommodation and food services (14.73%), Health care and social assistance (12.78%), Retail trade (10.61%), Construction (10.24%), Education and training (8.73%), closely followed by Manufacturing (7.67%), and Agriculture forestry and fishing (6.65%). The ‘Business Park’ to the north of Moama on the Cobb Highway has been successfully developed by Council, with only a handful of lots remaining unsold. Council is currently investigating suitable locations to house new business park facilities to attract and cater for incoming commercial and industrial commerce. It is important for Council to consider the operation of our employment lands and evaluate the best land use fits based on current demand and emerging enterprise. It is anticipated that this new area of land will cater for our growing industrial and manufacturing markets (including the service and sale of agricultural machinery). Investigation will also be required to be undertaken to inform the best location for expansion of Council’s heavy industrial land (currently located on Hillside Road) as industry is predicted to soon outgrow this current footprint. The incoming development of a biodigester and ethanol plant at Ham Road/Centre Road area presents an opportunity for an industrial hub site as it will be adequately serviced and there is suitable land surrounding this location. A growing interest in solar farm enterprise should also be considered, both with respect to how this effects our rural land, and key locations where this land use could be accommodated throughout the LGA. Council sees merit in the strategic investigation of a medical and education precinct where similar style businesses could be grouped to cater for not only our growing population, but also for increased projected demand on healthcare and support services associated with an aging population. Existing business zoned land to the north of the Perricoota Road/Cobb Highway intersection which have sat undeveloped since their rezoning in 2011 will also be investigated to assess the most strategically beneficial use of this land for the township. The incoming Moama/Echuca Bridge alignment is projected to change the role and aesthetic of Meninya Street, with the associated Moama Bridge Arts Precinct Master Plan 2019 set to create a social and cultural ‘facelift’ of this area. As discussed in Priority 2, Council aims to redevelop a portion of Meninya Street to cater for a ‘fine dining’ and eatery experience. In addition, plans to redevelop the north of Meninya Street to cater for a commercial piazza concept will also be investigated, with a master plan to be produced to inform this redevelopment. Consideration of suitable land uses, servicing (such as car parking) and associated business attraction strategies will all form integral parts of investigations informing the master planning of this area. It is envisioned that development in Moama will continue to follow the north-west direction, with the new bridge alignment likely shifting the CBD of Moama west to capitalise on retail and business opportunities presented by that traffic flow. Investigation regarding the commercial development of Moama will include this re-visioning of the CBD, with the aim to create its own services and a business hub which continues to compliment Echuca, but also provides services and businesses to our community previously not provided in Moama.

Barham Barham’s town centre offers a variety of businesses to the community, with a stable retail trade, food and accommodation opportunities, everyday conveniences (banking, newsagency, pharmacy, two supermarkets, and service stations) and a range of property and professional services. Industries in Barham are (in order) centred around Agriculture, forestry and fishing (17.39%), Accommodation and food and services (13.39%), Healthcare and social assistance (13.42%), Retail trade (10.78%), Education and training (8.51%) followed by Construction (6.81%) and Transport, postal and warehousing (3.40%). There is interest in future 29

development opportunities in Barham (and surrounds) related to a micro-abattoir, and a cereal processing facility. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a number of commercial and industrial businesses have been choosing to locate (or relocate) to Victoria (Kerang, Swan Hill, Koodrook) based on the availability of new and well serviced commercial and industrial land. Council aims to investigate how and where business attraction can be accommodated in Barham (and surrounds) with the growth of industries supporting agri-business and manufacturing flagged as a key opportunity for the township. The goal will be to redevelop or release new commercial/industrial land to create an attractive point of difference to what is already available within Barham, and in neighbouring Victorian townships. As noted in Priority 2, tourism remains a key driver and influence to the Bahram economy and Council aims to facilitate the growth of industries supporting tourism by leveraging off a whole of river experience available in Barham. Murray Downs Murray Downs is largely serviced by the commercial and employment base of Swan Hill and is currently hampered by inadequate bridge infrastructure which acts to disconnect the locality from the freight network. Like Barham, anecdotal evidence suggests that commercial activity is currently being diverted from Murray Downs to Swan Hill based on land availability and connection to the freight network, however the new bridge crossing presents significant potential for the expansion of the towns industrial and agricultural service industry. Council will investigate the potential for new industrial/commercial land release to attract investment into the area. There is also potential for Murray Downs to utilise a river location to provide residential and tourist development, and this location will be investigate as part of Council’s proposed Rural Lands Study, Rural Living Strategy, Rural Living Master Plan, MRC Economic Development and Tourism Strategy and Murray River Council Riverfront Development Strategy (as discussed in Priority 1 and 2)

Achieving our vision It is important for us to promote business opportunities in Murray River Council to not only support the growth and diversification of our local economy, but to ensure that our communities have quality and sustained access to a range of different forms of enterprise and services. To do this, Council will:

 Investigate the amount of land currently available for commercial and industrial uses (employment lands) within MRC  Collaborate with Council’s economic development team to investigate opportunities and incentives to attract economic investment, including: o Reduced contribution fee charges o Reduced rating charges  Revitalise, renew and/or create new employment lands to accommodate demand and attract growth throughout Murray River Council  Plan holistically for the anticipated growth in industries servicing an aging population, agribusiness, and tourism.  Focus Moama’s CBD and commercial core towards the north west (new bridge alignment)  Investigate the most beneficial use of existing employment lands to the north of the Perricoota Road/Cobb Highway intersection  Support the-development of a commercial piazza in the upper north of Meninya Street

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 Support the redevelopment or release of land for commercial/industrial use in Barham and Murray Downs and provide opportunity different to those provided elsewhere Actions  Develop an Employment Lands Strategy  Deliver an incoming LEP which better facilitates suitable growth opportunities for business and employment (including agribusiness, manufacturing, retail, healthcare and support services, retail, and hospitality)  Develop masterplans for the expansion/relocation of land for heavy industrial use servicing Moama. This is to include investigating the opportunity to create a heavy industry precinct in the Ham Road/Centre Road area to capitalise off infrastructure which will be in place to service the incoming biodigester and ethanol plant  Investigate commercial and/or industrial land release/redevelopment in Barham and Murray Downs  Reflect the outcomes of the Employment Lands Strategy and commercial/industrial expansion Masterplans in the incoming Murray River Council Land Use Strategy

THEME 2 - LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES WITH SOCIAL CAPITAL Priority 4 – Housing growth, supply and density. Rationale Housing in Murray River Council is predominantly characterised as separate private dwellings (87%), with 3 or more bedrooms (75%), and occupied by an average household of 2.3 people. Our housing is predominantly owned outright (45%) or owned with a mortgage (28%), with the bulk of housing provided on average density lots ranging between 450m2 to 1500m2. Our housing is mainly located in Moama (52%), Barham (13.2%), Mathoura (8%) and Moulamein (3.8%) with smaller concentrations (below 3%) in Koraleigh, Tooleybuc, Wakool, and Murray Downs. Murray River Council’s population grew by 8.57% between 2008 and 2018 and is expected to continue to grow. To meet the needs of a growing and changing population, it is important to understand what our community requires and provide a variety of housing choice. Council aims to deliver a transparent and well-planned housing strategy which incorporates diverse housing choice and density, satisfies demand, and suits the needs of a changing population. The strategy will include Council wide investigations to determine the current patterns of supply and projected growth in townships. Riverfront housing is a desirable residential product within Moama, Barham, Mathoura, Moulamein, Murray Downs and Tooleybuc. Council acknowledges the attraction of river lifestyle housing however consideration of this land use must be balanced against the environmental, social, and economic value of the river system. Any strategy to develop riverfront housing will reflect the investigations and outcomes of the proposed Murray River Council Riverfront Development Strategy identified for action in Priority 2, and will be assessed for viability with respect to servicing and infrastructure provision. We recognise that there is an opportunity to provide a variety of large lot and rural lifestyle housing opportunities in our area, within close proximity to our townships. Typically large lot residential lot sizes range between 4000m2-8000m2, with rural zoned lots requiring a minimum of 120 hectares-500 hectares to erect a dwelling, depending on location. In 2017 Council completed and adopted the Moama & District Rural Residential Strategy which explored the opportunity to provide rural lifestyle development around the Moama district. The plan provided a framework for timed release of land for rural living within a footprint bound by Tataila Road, Thyra Road, Perricoota Road Twenty Four Lane (north-west of Moama’s town centre) catering for minimum lot sizes ranging from 2 to 5 hectares. In line with Priority 1, Council aims to build upon the Moama & District Rural Residential Strategy to deliver strategically planned

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rural lifestyle housing throughout our LGA, with the aim to provide a point of difference in the current housing market while protecting productive agricultural land. Council will also be investigating opportunities to provide more variety in physical housing choice and style, with advancement in prefabricated manufactured homes presenting an attractive alternative to traditionally built “bricks and mortar’ housing. Council aims to consider this housing choice as part of the review of the LEP and create design guidelines through the DCP to deliver an attractive housing style while providing transparency in the preferred sizing, style, and location of these homes within our LGA. Given that we are projected to follow the national trends towards an older demographic, providing suitable housing variety for our aging population will be at the forefront of Council’s strategies for housing choice. There has been interest generated in the provision of retirement villages and aged care facilities within Moama, Barham and Mathoura and measured consideration of how and where we will accommodate this style of housing will be required to ensure delivery of well-connected accommodation which is integrated into our existing services and community facilities. Achieving our vision To achieve the goals of this priority, Council will:

 Locate residential housing expansion in appropriate areas which: o Are practicably serviceable from Council’s infrastructure and services o Are not constrained by hazards such as flooding or bushfire (unless that hazard can be suitably mitigated) o Not located in areas with key biodiversity or cultural heritage value o Are not considered important productive agricultural land  Deliver housing choice with varying density and form.  Respond to demand with well-planned land supply  Develop a housing strategy which: o Considers, evaluates and incorporates (where appropriate) the Moama North West Masterplan, the Moama Rural Residential Strategy, and the existing Strategic Land Use Plans for former Murray Shire and former Wakool Shire. o Updates the available supply and demand data for residential land within Murray River Council, including land that is being considered for residential rezoning as part of any current planning proposals. o Includes short, medium, and long-term staging with associated triggers for the release of new residential land. o Prevents unplanned residential development o Includes the considerations and outcomes of the incoming Murray River Riverfront Development Strategy with respect to riverfront housing o Fills the current gap in the market for rural residential housing Actions  Investigate and update the current supply and demand data for residential housing in the LGA  Create the Murray River Council Housing Strategy (or strategies) and associated  Develop the new LEP to facilitate manufactured homes as a primary residence  Develop the incoming DCP to reflect the desired built form within our LGA  Reflect the outcomes of the Housing Strategies in the incoming Murray River Council Land Use Strategy

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Priority 5 – Recreation and open space Rationale As the demographics of Murray River Council grow and change, so too will the recreational needs of the community. It is important for us to respond to these needs and Council strives to provide high quality public and recreation spaces to provide both social and economic benefit to the LGA. Key feedback received from preliminary consultation with the community told us that these spaces need to be usable, accessible and connected to our pedestrian and cycle networks. They also should be environmentally sensitive, provide shade for heat relief, and consider the needs of various demographics and user groups to ensure well rounded delivery of community assets. Maintaining and expanding the values and services provided by the towns and villages is a key consideration for Council in providing economic and social benefits to the community.

The provision of recreation and open space facilities are an opportunity to enhance the uniqueness of our towns by providing infrastructure that responds to the local setting and is different to the adjacent townships or villages. Key projects on the horizon for Murray River Council include:

 The Bridge Arts Project (Moama)  The redevelopment and upgrade of a number of Council’s recreation reserves and sporting facilities through the LGA  The development of the Moama Off Leash Area and Dog Park  The redevelopment of the Moama Preschool facility within the Moama Recreation Reserve  The upgrade of the Moulamein Preschool facility. Further projects to be considered by Council for locations central to Moama are the provision of a health and fitness complex (50m swimming pool and gym), and a large scale multi- purpose facility for entertainment and sporting events (see Priority 1). Council are committed to upgrading community facilities across the LGA and will continue to actively pursue funding opportunities and create an LGA wide Developer Contribution Plan to ensure that suitable funds are captured to deliver this outcome. The incoming Moama/Echuca bridge alignment will change the nature of traffic through Meninya Street. The reduction of heavy vehicle traffic provides us with an ideal opportunity to re-imagine the face of Moama’s main street. A key part of this revitalisation is “The Bridge Arts Project” which will showcase the history of the area, the river environment and the local landscape through designs which are unique and specific to Moama. The project will be implemented via the Meninya Street Masterplan which will redevelop the precinct into a safe and functional space providing various passive and active recreation opportunities with easy and responsible access to nature, cultural venues, and services. Council owned and managed public water park areas (similar to the facilities provided publicly in Wallan, Vic) which can be co-located with Councils’ swimming pools to benefit from existing filtration infrastructure are considered as an opportunity to provide sensitively designed water recreation facilities to our communities. To properly investigate this opportunity, an analysis to assess viability, risk and liability would be required to be undertaken and evaluated. Council has also been approached regarding rezoning to accommodate a world class wake board facility at Waterfront, Moama (Perricootta Road, Moama). This privately run facility would aim to attract domestic and international wake boarding events and provide a standard of facility not currently available in regional NSW. A major attraction to our residential areas is the provision of passive and active recreation spaces within (or easily accessible to) subdivisions. Council will continue to advocate for the provision of appropriate greenspace via the relevant clauses of our Development Control Plan

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and promote connection of subdivision to our walking and cycling paths. The multi-purpose use of greenspace for drainage and water sensitive design within residential subdivisions (for instance the drainage corridor servicing the North West of Moama) will also be promoted. Achieving our vision Achieving the priorities listed throughout this LSPS will contribute to the liveability, sustainability and prosperity of Murray River Council. To do this, Council will:

 Provide recreation and open space that is responsive to the changing needs of the community in a manner which reflects the character of its setting  Continue to facilitate the “Bridge Arts Project’  Continue to facilitate the works being undertaken as part of Council’s Recreations Reserve Masterplans  Continue to actively pursue funding for the upgrade of Council’s community recreation facilities.  Promote high quality public spaces that align with NSW Better Placed Design policy and the Urban Design Guide for Regional NSW Actions  Strategically accommodate the Bridge Arts precinct  Investigate and assess the viability, risk, and liability associated with the development of water play park facilities connected to Council’s pool assets  Review and update Council’s Development Contributions Plans to provide for opportunity to fund community facilities and projects.

Priority 6 – Servicing and utility infrastructure Rationale Well planned infrastructure and servicing is critical to the functionality and wellbeing of our community, improving the liveability of urban areas, and the economic viability of reliant industries. As the towns and villages continue to grow, it is important to provide infrastructure in the right place at the right time, with an appropriate capacity to cater for demand.

Understanding the current capacity and planned investments in utility infrastructure in the towns and villages will enable Council to capitalise on opportunities for economic and housing growth. Critical infrastructure investments will be identified as Council conducts more detailed analysis to ensure that growth is aligned with upgrades to town water, wastewater, electricity, waste services and telecommunication facilities. Aligning these utility infrastructure projects with future growth opportunities and Council’s Delivery Plans is a key initiative of this planning priority.

Council are in the process of conducting a detailed strategic review of all Council owned and managed infrastructure to understand the current usage and capacity to accommodate growth. This will include an evaluation of water and sewer infrastructure, road infrastructure, recreational assets, open spaces, community facilities, and cemeteries. These investigations will inform the incoming Murray River Council Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan, Asset Management Strategy, and long term plans of management. Council allocates significant funds each year in the Operational Plan for capital expenditure on assets, and in 2019/2020 Council have budgeted to spend approximately, $2.78 million for infrastructure works, $11.34 million for roads, bridges, footpaths, stormwater and traffic, $3.62 million for water supply renewal and upgrades, and $0.83 million for wastewater renewal and upgrades. Securing future funding opportunities to contribute to the ongoing management, upgrade and construction of our infrastructure facilities will be crucial to the delivery of this priority.

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The incoming Housing Strategy detailed in Priority 4 will be shaped by the long term plans for Council’s water and sewer infrastructure expansion. Being that these long term plans are being drafted in unison, they will be reflective of each other whereby potential residential growth areas will prompt investigation for service expansion, and vice versa.

Council are currently reviewing the way we collect, transport, process, recycle and dispose of our household and commercial waste. Council will investigate the appropriate areas for environmentally sensitive/innovative waste management services (including current and future sites), taking into consideration current and future commodity markets, and the demand of waste/recycling management services across the LGA to support our communities. Council is in the process of finalising a number of waste management strategies and plans to inform how this will occur in the short and long term. Essential Energy are the local electricity network providing electricity to the townships and villages of Murray River Council. The existing electricity network capabilities provide no constraints to providing electricity to future growth and development areas.

Digital connectivity will play a greater role in supporting the connectivity of communities for social and economic purposes, such as providing distance education, training and health services, and enabling automated and precision agriculture techniques such as spraying and irrigation. Working together with key telecommunication providers and other levels of Government to identity new suitable locations and fill telecommunication gaps in the Murray River Council will be an important role for Council. Council will assist providers in identifying these areas and facilitate the establishment of new telecommunication facilities as required. Achieving our vision To deliver this planning priority, Council will:

 Plan for the upgrade of Council’s assets to cater for the growth of our communities  Align residential and commercial growth with water and waste water capabilities and expansion  Investigate funding opportunities to upgrade existing utility infrastructure facilities to cater for our growing population  Collaborate with telecommunication providers and other levels of Government to identity and fill telecommunication gaps in the Murray River Council Actions  Complete a detailed strategic review of all Council owned and managed infrastructure to understand the current usage and capacity to accommodate growth  Complete an integrated water management plan to ensure future water and sewer aligns with future growth and is reflective of the incoming housing strategy  Complete identified upgrades and construction projects within Council’s Delivery Programs and Operations Plan

THEME 3 – ENVIRONMENT, HERITAGE AND CLIMATE CHANGE Priority 7 - Identify and protect environmental values Rationale Murray River Council is home to an extensive list of environmental assets which include a extensive riverine systems, national and regional parks, State forests, and nationally and internationally significant (Ramsar) wetlands. These environmental areas support key habitat for nationally and internationally protected flora and fauna and provide a recreation backdrop for locals and visitors enjoying camping, bushwalking, and nature based activities. Council

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also contains various aquatic and terrestrial threatened ecological communities which are spread across the LGA on public and privately owned land. As discussed throughout a number of priorities within this LSPS, our rivers and riverfront lands are attractive drawcards for residential, tourist, economic, and recreational development within Murray River Council. Access to healthy and functioning river systems is paramount in supporting our economy and communities, and the development of Council’s Riverfront Strategy will be designed to deliver positive social, economic and environmental outcomes while protecting our river systems and environmentally important lands. The baseline data used to currently identify areas of environmental value is outdated and no longer accurately reflects current conditions within our area. To ensure accurate and appropriate identification of Council’s environmental assets, Council will partner with the NSW Biodiversity and Conservation Division (and other Government agencies) to investigate biodiversity in Murray River Council and produce new biodiversity mapping. This investigation will include a review of ecological communities to define location, assess health, and also evaluate effective LEP mechanisms for environmental protection. Incoming strategies for residential, commercial and economic development will also be informed by this investigation, with new areas for development to be considered only where environmental impact can be minimized or avoided. The review of biodiversity in Murray River Council will also be used to inform future plans for management and restoration of both privately owned and Council owned/managed areas of high environmental value. Council are in the process of reviewing our current Plans of Management for Crown Lands, which will also investigate opportunities available to utilise Crown land and Travelling Stock Routes (TSR) for use as biodiversity offset areas. Council also aims to encourage conservation on private land by better showcasing the financial opportunities available to private landholders through offset and stewardship agreements. Through collaboration with State Government, local agencies, and the community, we have an opportunity to better protect our environment while also delivering positive economic outcomes and improving public enjoyment of our natural setting. Achieving our vision To deliver this planning priority, Council will:  Review and update Council’s biodiversity mapping  Protect valuable terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity in Murray River Council from the impacts of development  Protect and enhance biodiversity connectivity on private and Council owned/managed land  Partner with NSW Planning Biodiversity Conservation Division and relevant Government agencies to update existing biodiversity mapping to accurately reflect areas of environmental value  Ensure that strategies for residential, economic and commercial expansion account for and avoid areas of conservation value  Encourage and communicate financial opportunities available to private landholders via stewardship and offset agreements Actions  Prepare the Murray River Council Riverfront Strategy  Undertake a biodiversity investigation  Update Council’s Local Environmental Plan biodiversity mapping  Deliver an incoming LEP which identifies and protects areas of biodiversity value within Murray River Council

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Priority 8- Celebration of culture and heritage Rationale From the physical and spiritual affinity built over thousands of years by the traditional Aboriginal custodians of this land, to the creation of our towns and villages following European settlement from the 1800s, Murray River Council has a rich and important cultural past. This history has strongly influenced our local character and is celebrated and protected through the ongoing efforts of Council and our communities. There are 1916 sites of Aboriginal heritage significance recorded within our Council area, made up largely of cooking mounds, scar trees, middens, artefacts, burial sites, and spiritually significant places of the Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba and Barapa Barapa people. This includes ‘Algeboia’, declared by the Minister of Environment as a protected Aboriginal Place located within the Murray Valley National Park. Council aims to avoid and minimize impact to Aboriginal Cultural heritage values by improving engagement and consultation with Local Aboriginal Land Councils and providing stronger protections within our planning documents for identification and protection of Aboriginal objects and sacred places. Through permission from and joint collaboration with the Aboriginal community, Council will also investigate the inclusion and mapping of known Aboriginal objects and places for insertion into Council’s Local Environmental Plan Heritage Schedule. Murray River Council contains 91 protected heritage items. Eight items are listed in the State Heritage Register, with 77 items listed in our Local Environmental Plans. We have 2 existing heritage conservation areas and one additional proposed heritage conservation area which is being finalised as part of a planning proposal (‘Old Moama’). Council aims to better manage and protect heritage through the inclusion of suitable controls in the incoming Local Environmental Plan, and continuing to engage a Heritage Consultant for professional assessment of heritage matters associated with development. We also aim to restore and reinvigorate Council owned heritage items by developing practical plans of management which not only conserve, but investigate opportunities for adaptive reuse as community/social spaces (where appropriate). Our towns and people have an interesting story to tell, which we hope to celebrate and narrate to locals and visitors alike. Council aims to continue our efforts in paying homage to our past though the incorporation of art installations (sculptures, murals, memorials, plaques etc.) in public areas and reserves. The Moama Bridge Arts Project discussed in Priority 2 and 3, the Barham Redgum Statue River Walk, and the proposed Moulamein Heritage Village project, will also help to contribute to our sense of place and a create a point of connection with our rich history. Achieving our vision To deliver this planning priority, Council will:  Consider and protect heritage assets in Murray River Council from the impacts of development  Celebrate and promote heritage value to our communities and visitors  Partner with Local Aboriginal Land Council’s and Aboriginal community groups to investigate the inclusion of known Aboriginal objects and sacred places into Council’s LEP Heritage Schedule  Improve engagement and consultation with Local Aboriginal Land Council’s and Aboriginal Community groups regarding development and strategy  Conserve and invigorate Council owned heritage assets and consider adaptive reuse where appropriate

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Actions  Review existing Plans of Management and Conservation Plans for Council’s heritage assets  Review and update Council’s LEP Heritage Schedule and mapping  Deliver an incoming LEP which identifies and protects heritage value within Murray River Council  Review and updated Council’s engagement strategies regarding heritage  Continue to engage the services of a professional heritage consultant  Finalise the “old Moama’ Planning Proposal

Priority 9 - Climate change and natural hazards Rationale Current research predicts that by 2050 the Riverine Murray region will be hotter, drier and more prone to natural hazards, with the following impacts likely to occur with a level of certainty:

 Temperatures increases of 1.5°C – 3.0°C in all seasons  Average decrease in annual rainfall due to a moderate increase in summer, but substantial decline in spring, autumn and winter  Increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves  Weather conditions conducive to large, intense fires are likely to increase, with length and intensity of fire season also likely to increase  Incidence of flash flooding may increase  Incidence of riverine flooding is likely to increase  Loss of habitats and ecosystems Understanding how these changes will impact our people and economy at a local scale will be paramount in creating sustainable and resilient communities throughout Murray River Council. To identify and assess the risks that climate change poses to Council assets, operations and services, Council will undertake a Climate Change Risk Assessment and use the outcomes of that plan to feed into planning and strategies for adaption. In order reduce the community’s exposure to natural hazards Council will continue to locate development away from areas of known hazard wherever possible. Where the hazard cannot be avoided, Council will ensure that suitable hazard mitigation techniques are employed. Council aims to better identify and communicate the flood hazard of land by updating the flood prone land mapping forming part of our Local Environmental Plan and strategies. The Echuca Moama Torrumbarry Flood Study and the Moulamein Flood Study (both currently being completed) will be used to upgrade the current mapping, together with information available from NSW Flood Data Portal. In collaboration with NSW Rural Fire Service, a review of Council’s bushfire prone land mapping is also currently underway, with the project nearing completion. The update of the bushfire prone land mapping will likely result in a significant increase in the bushfire prone land mapping coverage within our LGA which will in turn trigger a higher volume of developments requiring bushfire hazard assessment. Our economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and the changes forecast as a result of climate change are predicted to diminish yields based on reduced water availability and changes to growing conditions. As discussed in Priority 1, Council will promote research into sustainable, resilient, adaptive and innovative agriculture and continue to collaborate with Government at a State and Federal level regarding the Murray Darling Basin Plan and the water security issues affecting our livelihood.

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Murray River Council generated 361,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in 2017. Agriculture was our largest source of CO2e emissions (65%), followed by electricity. Through a number of strategies, Council is committed to reducing our emission levels, while creating greater transparency and engagement with our communities about reducing our carbon footprint. One approach will be to include emission reduction strategies into Council’s planning instruments to create more sustainable development via (for example) passive heating/cooling, renewable energy sources, water sensitive design, greening of urban spaces, and planning well connected communities which reduce reliance on vehicle use . With the increased interest in solar farming within Murray River Council (discussed in Priority 1) there is also an opportunity for Council and the community to collaborate with energy providers in the leasing of land for the purposes of renewable energy. Council also plans to further promote renewable energy projects within our LGA via the investigation and application of innovative technologies to convert waste to energy. These projects will be investigated through Council’s Waste Strategy and subsequent Waste Master Plan and include potential development of Eco-villages, recycling facilities, and Green waste processing facilities.

Source: Murray River Municipal Emissions Snapshot Report (Snapshot Community Climate Tool) Achieving our vision To achieve this priority, Council will:

 Research and understand the impact of climate change at a local level for Murray River Council

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 Reduce the community’s exposure to natural hazards via consideration and mitigation of natural hazard risk  Promote research into sustainable, resilient, adaptive and innovative agriculture and economic industries  Continue to collaborate with Government at a State and Federal level regarding the Murray Darling Basin Plan and water security issues

 Commit to reducing our CO2e emission levels while creating greater transparency and engagement with our communities  Promote local renewable energy projects through collaboration with energy providers and the implementation of best practice for waste management  Deliver planning instruments and management plans which advocate for development which is climate responsive, water sensitive, and energy conscious.

Actions  Undertake a Climate Change Risk Assessment  Update Council’s flood planning area mapping to include the outcomes of the Echuca Moama Torrumbarry Flood Study, the Moulamein Flood Study, and flood information available from NSW Flood Data Portal  Finalise the review and update of Council’s bushfire prone land mapping  Complete the Waste Master Plan  Review and update Council’s Planning Instruments to facilitate sustainable development  Reflect the outcomes of the waste strategies in the Murray River Council Land Use Strategy

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