LEETON SHIRE DRAFT Local Strategic

Planning Statement 1 | P a g e

DOCUMENT AUTHORISATION

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER Manager Planning, Building and Health REVIEWED BY Senior Management Team

DATE ADOPTED: DRAFT for consultation 12 May 2020

ADOPTED BY: Council

RESOLUTION NO: (IF RELEVANT):

REVIEW DUE DATE: 30 June 2020

REVISION NUMBER:

REVIEW/ MINUTE PREVIOUS AUTHOR/ DATE DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENTS SIGN NO VERSIONS: EDITOR (IF OFF RELEVANT)

REVIEW OF THIS POLICY This Policy will be reviewed every 7 years or as required in the event of legislative changes. The Policy may also be changed as a result of other amendments that are to the advantage of Council and in the spirit of this Policy. Any amendment to the Policy must be by way of a Council Resolution or, for administrative reasons, the approval of the General Manager.

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Foreword

The Leeton Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) is a community driven document that identifies, shapes and acknowledges the short, medium and long-term strategic town and environmental planning objectives for the Leeton Shire community.

The Leeton LSPS is shaped by how the Leeton Shire and its communities have developed, the special characteristics that makes us unique and our values and expectations that we wish to achieve, protect and enhance over the next 20 years.

The statement brings together important information about our unique environment, the character of our communities, our cultural identity and our economy to set priorities for building a prosperous and liveable Shire.

The Leeton LSPS will establish a consistent framework for the Leeton Shire that will:

1. Explain development standards important to the Leeton community. 2. Support the decisions relating to the assessment and consideration of development applications. 3. Set future strategic planning reviews and decisions.

Acknowledgement of Country

Leeton Shire Council acknowledges the Wiradjuri people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and pays respect to all Elders past, present and future.

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Contents

Acknowledgement of Country ...... 3 Leeton Shire’s Vision ...... 6 About Leeton Shire ...... 7 Our Population ...... 11 Our Economy and Employment...... 13 Our Environment ...... 14 Loca Strategic Planning Statement Context Including Policies ...... 15 Connection to the Murray Regional Plan ...... 16 Global Mega Trends ...... 17 Local Planning Challenges ...... 18 Opportunities To Be Harnessed ...... 21 Leeton LSPS Mission ...... 23 How Do We Get There? ...... 24 Priority One – Agriculture ...... 25 Priority Two – Employment ...... 27 Priority Three – Tourism ...... 29 Priority Four – Retail ...... 31 Priority Five – Housing ...... 33 Priority Six – Community...... 35 Priority Seven – Environment ...... 38 Priority Eight – Heritage and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage ...... 40 References ...... 42

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Leeton Shire’s Vision

To enjoy outstanding lifestyles and prosperous livelihoods within a caring and inclusive community and a healthy environment. To be inspirational leaders leaving a legacy in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area of which we are enormously proud.

We are/will be successful when we A thriving economy with good jobs : We describe ourselves as having : have a wide range of employment choices available to us. The community enjoys A healthy and caring community : We celebrating together at festivals and events enjoy an excellent quality of life from and to share this fun and excitement with childhood through to our senior years. visitors to our towns. Water is our lifeblood Healthy lifestyles are enjoyed by all in a and we continue to innovate to ensure our caring, safe and friendly community. ongoing success. Learning is a constant with access to quality education opportunities for all ages. A quality built environment : We have reliable infrastructure such as water, sewer An active and enriched community : We and roads. We take great pride in our can join in with a variety of sports and lovely towns and villages and enjoy the leisure activities at any age. Our abundance of open space and park areas community has a diverse arts and culture around our Shire. The community is well following and supports a wide arrange of serviced with regular public transport artistic events. We come together regularly options available to us when we need to to celebrate our history with pride and what travel. makes our community great. We enjoy sharing our rich heritage with younger Strong leadership : We are confident that generations. our leaders will listen to what we have to say, make decisions that are good and A healthy and natural environment : We strongly advocate with peak bodies for the have beautiful natural attractions that we betterment of the entire community. There can appreciate and enjoy. As a community are many opportunities available for our we come together to preserve and enhance residents and visitors to speak up and our wetlands and river system to ensure engage with each other to make a their beauty will be able to be maintained difference to our future. We are resilient and enjoyed by residents and visitors for as a community as we anticipate change, many years to come. We love participating plan for it and deal with it well. in outdoor activities and playing in our natural environment.

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About Leeton Shire

Leeton Shire is located within the heart of downstream of the dam to drought proof the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area in south inland NSW. west Riverina Murray of NSW and has from its humble beginnings grown to be a major At the completion of Burrinjuck Dam and producer of irrigated based food and fibre the supporting network of canals and and a significant centre for manufacturing channels the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and education in the region. was officially opened with a turning on of the water ceremony at on the 13 th Leeton is situated 550 km from Sydney and July 1912. 460 km from Melbourne. The land is Wiradjuri Country and the Murrumbidgee Since these early beginnings Leeton Shire River flows along the southern boundary of has grown to a population of 11,445 with the Shire on its way from the Snowy the major town of Leeton and rural villages Mountains of eastern NSW to join the at Whitton, Yanco, and Murrami. Murray River near . A snapshot of the Leeton Shire Leeton Shire owes its existence, economy 2 and culture to the provision of water from  an area of 1,167 km the for irrigated  population of 11,445 agricultural. The origins of what is now the  approximately 90% of the Shire is Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) can be located within the Murrumbidgee attributed to noted pastoralist, Sir Samuel Irrigation Area (MIA) McCaughey, who in the late 1800’s  significant environmental areas of the convinced the NSW State Government that Murrumbidgee Valley National Park land around his North Yanko holding and the RAMSAR listed Fivebough (principally what is now the Leeton Shire) and Tuckerbil wetlands was suitable for irrigation. In response, the  headquarters of the Australian rice NSW Government commenced the industry. construction of the Barren Jack Dam (now  largest cotton gin in the Southern called Burrinjuck Dam) in 1906, following Hemisphere the severe drought of 1902, to dam the  centre of walnut production and waters of the Murrumbidgee River to processing in provide a regulated water supply  two major wineries

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 8,500 ha of citrus farms producing Murrami (population 326) 180,000 tonnes of citrus annually Murrami is a small village approximately 32  58,000 cattle feedlot and abattoir kilometres to the north west of Leeton. It  3 high schools (two major boarding consists of a main street and has 29 schools) and 6 primary schools residential lots of approximately 1,000m 2  agricultural research centre at Yanco and 5 small farm lots of approximately 2 ha.  WR Connect a regional road/rail freight hub and inland port. Murrami is connected to a reticulated potable water supply. The village is zoned Leeton (population 8,620 ) RU5 Village. The Griffith- railway line passes through Murrami and there is a The town of Leeton was established as the major SunRice rice receival depot adjacent administration headquarters of the MIA and to this railway line. was named after Charles Lee, the then

Minister for Public Works. The town was There is a community hall and playground initially designed by the Murrumbidgee in Murrami and a recreational reserve Irrigation Trust and established in 1913 located adjacent to the village. Previously when the first blocks were made available Murrami was serviced by a general store, for sale. however this no longer operates.

In 1914 the American architect Walter

Burley Griffin re-designed the town along similar designs to Canberra on an Whitton (population 496) essentially circular design with four street Whitton is a village approximately 20 kms precincts leading out from the town centre. to the west of Leeton on the intersection of Whilst this original design has over time and the Whitton-Darlington been modified following inevitable growth Point Road. Initially called Hulong, Whitton of the town, many basic elements of the grew from a small settlement that was Burley Griffin design remain, notably the established in the 1850s due to its circular streets of Palm and Acacia proximity to a shallow crossing for stock at Avenues, the centre avenues of Pine, the Murrumbidgee River. Kurrajong and Wade leading from the central business district and 2 water towners at Chelmsford Place.

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Whitton was officially declared a town in completion in 2011 has ginned one million March 1885 following the completion of the bales of cotton and employs 40 people. south west railway line from Junee to Hay via and Yanco and was named Wamoon (population 200) in honour of then Engineer in Chief of the Wamoon is a small village located adjacent NSW Railways, Mr . The to Irrigation Way approximately 10 kms railway station attracted teamsters west of Leeton. delivering copper from mines in the area Wamoon was established to provide a until 1910 and freight from pastoral stations place of residence for farm and cannery and farms throughout the life of the line. It workers when the rice and fruit industries distributed mail to and from Lake Cargellico were being established in 1912. The until 1916, Mt Ida, Tabbita until 1920 and Wamoon Public School, which is still open local areas. today, was established in 1913.

Whitton today can be described as a rural Wamoon is serviced with reticulated village and is fully serviced with reticulated potable water, a weekly garbage and sewer and water, a Council operated recycling collection and plans are currently swimming pool, weekly garbage and being finalized to connect dwellings in the recycling service, a public school up to year village to reticulated sewer. The village has 6, a general store/cafe, post office, hotel 34 residential lots of approximately and bowling club. Whitton also has a 1,000m 2 and 30 small farms ranging in size community run museum that recognises from 4,000 to 8,000m 2 and is zoned RU5 the rail, irrigation and station history of the Village. town and surrounds.

Under the Leeton Local Environmental Yanco (population 505) Plan, Whitton is zoned RU5 Village with an The village of Yanco is approximately 6 area of land zoned IN1 General Industry. kms south of Leeton and is known as the SunRice have established a number of rice gateway to the Murrumbidgee Irrigation receival and storage sheds in Whitton. The Area. disused south west rail corridor also divides the village in half. Yanco was established in 1882 on the existing Yanko Station when the south west The Whitton village is also located railway line from Hay to Junee was approximately 8.5 kms from the state of art completed. The camp was established to Southern Cotton Gin, which since its load freight (principally wool) from Yanko and North Yanko Stations.

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The development of Yanco as a town can Yanco is zoned principally R2 Low Density be traced to 1908 with the development of Residential with an area of B2 Local the Yanco Experimental Farm in 1908 Centre. Yanco has an area of typical which undertook trials of rice production residential development with lots averaging and the Yanco powerhouse in 1913 which 1,000 m 2 and a larger area to the north and was built to provide power to Sir Samuel east of small 4,000m 2 to 8,000m 2 farms. McCaughey’s irrigation scheme on Yanko Station. Yanco remains the home of the Yanco Agricultural High School which is based Yanco is a fully serviced village, with around the historical McCaughey reticulated water and sewer, a public homestead and offers education from year school, parks, multi-use sports ground, a 7 to 12, as well as the Yanco Agricultural central business area with a hotel, club, Institute which employs 95 people and is general store/café and post office. NSW DPI’s Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Rice and Horticulture. and Tocal College runs short courses from the site.

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Our Population

Understanding where we are now will By 2036 our population is expected to provide guidance for the opportunities and increase by about 1,125 people. This will challenges Leeton Shire will face in the comprise of a larger aging population and future. Of people aged 15 and over, most we will need to ensure we have adequate had completed Year 10 (20.1%) or Year 12 services and facilities to support the ageing (15.6%) as their highest level of education. demographic. Reviewing our local planning The largest employment sectors in Leeton controls and supply of diverse housing, Shire is manufacturing, followed by community facilities, health services, agriculture. Leeton Shire has and will education establishments and employment continue to play an integral role in value- generating sectors will be a focus of our added agricultural processing, agriculture Shire. production, education and research, transport and logistics.

Leeton Shire in 2016

Population Median Age Older Adults (65+) 11,407 40 17%

Employment sector Most common household Household income range 19.1% labourers 29% Couples with children 39% high income Leeton Shire in 2036

Population Projection Most common household Older Adults (65+) 12,532 32% Lone Person 27%

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Our Population Projections

The Shire was home to an estimated residents (ABS, 2016). Approximately 11,407 people in 2016 and is the third 5.7% of the Leeton Shire population largest regional centre in the Riverina and identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Murray Joint Organisation area. The Islander people, which is higher than the estimated population in April 2020 is State average of 2.9%. 11,445. The population of Leeton Shire is expected to grow by 8.9% by 2036, in The age structure of Leeton Shire from comparison to the Riverina Murray region 2016 to 2036 will decrease for young adults which will grow by 4%. and adults and, increase for older adults (Figure 3 ). The median age will also While most of the Shire’s population were increase from 40 in 2016 to 45.9 in 2036. born in Australia (81.6%), Leeton Shire has An ageing population is a common trend a diverse cultural population with Italy across NSW and Australia and will require (1.7%) and New Zealand (1%) being the proactive planning to enable residents to next most common countries of origin for age in place.

Figure 3: Age structure breakdown for Leeton Shire between 2016 and 2036 (DPE, 2018).

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Our Economy and Employment

The Shire enjoys a strong economy with an this, 39% of residents are in a “high economic output of $443.5 million and the income” bracket. This is likely due to the Gross Value Agricultural Production valued differing income levels between the most at $91 million in 2010-11 (RMCG, 2016). common types of employment in Leeton Leeton Shire’s economy is largely centred Shire including labourers, technicians and around agriculture and manufacturing, as is managers ( Figure 4 ). the rest of the Western Riverina region. Leeton also has a strong education and research sector that supports technological advances and provides varied career opportunities, including infrastructure, health, education, retail, and affordable environments for start-ups.

Most people who live in Leeton Shire also work here, with only 6% of residents working elsewhere. In 2016, Leeton Shire had an unemployment rate of 5.2%, lower than the State average of 6.3%.

Leeton Shire residents have a diverse range of incomes. The median weekly household income is $1,190, slightly below the state average (ABS, 2016). Despite

Figure 4: Most common occupation types in Leeton compared to the NSW average (ABS, 2016).

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Our Environment

The iconic Murrumbidgee River winds its way along the southern edge of Leeton Shire and forms part of the Murrumbidgee Valley National Park. Created in 2010, the National Park protects part of what is now the largest continuous tract of River Red Gum forest in the world.

The Murrumbidgee River and Ramsar- listed Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands play an important part in the local ecology, recreation and tourism. The iconic wetlands span 400 hectares, are considered home to tens of thousands of wetland birds including 86 species of water birds and contain sites of great significance to the local Wiradjuri people. Protecting the wetlands environmental heritage The region also relies on the significance is paramount while enabling Murrumbidgee River and extensive access for tourism, research and recreation irrigation channels to supply Leeton Shire’s where appropriate. agricultural lands. Given the variable climate, water security and water availability are a priority for the Shire to balance the needs of the community, environment, industry and agriculture.

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Local Strategic Planning Statement Context Including Policies

This Local Strategic Planning Statement Development, Tourism and Events Plan) (LSPS) gives effect to Leeton’s Community and Leeton Shire Flood Study. The LSPS Strategic Plan by setting the framework for also gives effect to the Riverina Murray Leeton Shire’s economic, social and Regional Plan 2036, implementing the environmental land use needs over the directions and actions at a local level and next 20 years. The LSPS outlines clear has regard to the Riverina and Murray planning priorities describing what will be (RAMJO) Statement of Regional Strategic needed, where these are located and when Priorities. The LSPS planning priorities and they will be delivered. The LSPS sets short, actions provide the rationale for decisions medium and long-term actions to deliver about how we will use our land to achieve the priorities for the community’s vision. the community’s broader land use vision.

This LSPS has been prepared in Consultation accordance with clause 3.9 of the Leeton Shire Council has collaborated with Environmental Planning and Assessment the local community and Department of Act 1979 (EP&A Act). As well as Leeton’s Planning, Industry and Environment to Community Strategic Plan, the LSPS develop this LSPS. This LSPS will be brings together and builds on the planning reviewed every seven years to ensure it work found in Council’s other plans, studies remains current with the communities and strategies, such as the Local needs and strategic direction at the local, Environmental Plan (LEP), Envisage 2024 regional and state level. (Leeton Shire Council Economic Strategic

Figure 1: Alignment of the LSPS to other strategic planning documents

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Connection to the Riverina Murray Regional Plan

The Riverina Murray Regional Plan 2036 is Riverina Murray region, situated along the a 20-year vision for the Riverina Murray Murrumbidgee River ( Figure 2 ). Leeton region, which is to be a diversified Shire has an important role to play in inter- economy founded on Australia’s food regional connections to support the bowl, iconic waterways and a network of agricultural supply chain to the main vibrant connected communities. The domestic and international ports at Sydney Regional Plan outlines directions to (550 kilometres east) and Melbourne (450 achieve the vision for the region and kilometres south). Leeton Shire has strong Leeton has a role to play in their successful connections to its two nearest regional implementation. cities of Griffith and , where residents can access higher-order health, Situated in South-Western New South education, retail, commercial and transport Wales, Leeton Shire is central to the services.

Figure 2: The Riverina Murray region

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Global Mega Trends

By 2030 we expect a more variable climate The population is ageing and the demand with warmer temperatures, less rainfall, for aged care facilities and healthcare will and more extreme weather including increase putting huge pressure on national droughts and floods. Energy consumption budgets. Rates of chronic illness will grow by 30% with greater demand for associated with diet and lifestyle remain renewables. Superbugs will flourish with high as sedentary behaviour increases. growing resistance to antibiotics, Digital technology advancements and herbicides and pesticides. innovation will reshape business models, By 2030 the world will need to feed another jobs, learning, communication, governance 1B people and Australia’s population will systems and lifestyles. There will be more reach 30M. Global food production will and more automation, augmented by need to increase by 35% by 2030. Asia- artificial intelligence. Pacific will be a focal point for wealth The physical spaces in which we live, work generation, including education, health, and play will hold even greater significance. banking and finance, tourism, Humans need to escape the virtual world administration and other service sectors. and will seek ways in which to do a “digital Transport and logistics will be a focus as detox”. As houses reduce in size, green more freight is moved and more people spaces will be more important than ever. travel. On-line purchasing will increase and the quantity of data transmitted over the internet will continue to rise exponentially.

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Local Planning Challenges

1. Growth of Solar farms resulting in a potential loss of irrigated farm land 2. Changing rural tenure patterns for non-agricultural production. leading to the expansion of broadscale farming businesses and The economy of Leeton Shire is largely the effect on minimum lot sizes and dependent and driven by irrigated existing dwellings in RU1 areas. agriculture. The production and value adding of seasonal food and fibre crops There is anecdotal evidence that underpins the economy and associated indicates that land use patterns within manufacturing, transport, retail, the broad scale irrigated cropping farms professional services and educational are changing with existing irrigated establishments of the Shire. farms being amalgamated into larger production units. This often occurs when Any loss of significant areas of irrigated an existing farm owner wishes to retire land from the production of food and from farming yet remain on the farm on fibre is considered to be a serious threat a smaller lot and sell the remaining to the sustainability of the area given larger part of the farm, often to an that irrigated land is highly developed adjoining land owner to increase their with established infrastructure such as holding. irrigation supply canals and channels and irrigation drainage channels Where farmers wish to expand their (arguably nation building infrastructure). holding and are forced to purchase an The change of land use from irrigated entire farm with an existing dwelling on crop production to a non- agricultural it. The presence of the existing dwelling purpose has the potential to have long effectively increases the purchase price term negative consequences to of the farm and at the same time the adjoining farms. area on which the unwanted dwelling and associated building reduces the To address this issue Council could area of available land to the purchaser. undertake a Rural Land use study to investigate current threats and Currently the minimum lot size on a opportunities to identify suitable options which a dwelling exists in these areas is to address the issues created by solar 150ha. farms in agricultural areas.

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To maintain the local economy based on The standards of boarding houses are irrigation and associated rural based set by the Boarding Houses Act. For manufacture the LEP must be adaptive backpackers and rural workers to changing farm business needs and accommodation the standard is set by new agricultural commodity the Local Government (Manufactured opportunities by also being adaptive to Home Estates, Caravan Parks, applying minimum lot sizes whilst Camping Grounds and Moveable minimising potential land use conflicts. Dwellings) Regulation 2005 and Rural Housing Code. Council could undertake a Rural Land use study investigating current threats Council needs to establish development and opportunities and identify suitable standards that permit farmers to options to address lot sizes and establish required accommodation succession planning in the primary options for their workers, whilst at the production zone. same time providing healthy levels of accommodation for the occupants and 3. Increasing demand for low-cost short protecting local amenity. term labour housing 4. Lane way development in Leeton

Council continues to receive Within the R3 Residential zone a applications for low cost short term number of night soil lanes exist that labour accommodation, both on and off provide access to the rear of the lots. farm. These laneways have existed since the development of the residential area and Council supports the provision of low were established to provide access for a cost short term labour accommodation weekly nightsoil collection service prior that are constructed to appropriate to the installation of reticulated sewer. minimum standards and in appropriate These laneways generally average 6m locations to assist farmers and to protect in width. the occupants of the accommodation and the amenity of the surrounding area. Council continues to receive development applications seeking to Currently the Leeton Local develop residential accommodation that Environmental Plan permits rural are accessed from the rear laneway, workers dwellings in rural zones and which have been dealt with on the boarding houses in most residential individual merit of the development in areas. lieu of a development control policy.

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These laneways provide a unique opportunity to increase the residential lot yield within the R3 zone.

However this opportunity must also be accompanied by appropriate development standards to ensure that increasing usage does not create issues as traffic congestion, on street carparking, garbage collection etc.

5. Demand for rental accommodation

Anecdotally and from Council experience, Leeton has a shortage of rental accommodation. Skilled workers recruited from out of town are often reluctant to purchase homes immediately. Industries report that they lose workers to other towns as they cannot easily find suitable rental accommodation in Leeton. The Whitton Town Improvement Committee also reports that demand for rental accommodation outstrips supply in Whitton.

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Opportunities To Be Harnessed

1. Leverage off existing rural An opportunity exists to leverage of the manufacturing base existing industries to attract new business to the region. Leeton Shire has a number of

established manufacturing based Land use planning has a role to play in business, including agricultural product this process through the zoning of value adding industries, product suitable industrial land, protection manufacturing businesses and through exclusion zones of industrial construction business. developments and transport routes and

establishment of a special use zone These business are supported by a over the WR Connect development at range of transport companies, skilled Wumbulgal. labour and local training opportunities.

From a land use planning perspective a 2. Council developed industrial land long term action should be to identify Leeton Council has a long history of and acquire the next stages for future developing fully serviced industrial expansion of industrial land. allotments.

3. Freight, Logistics and Industrial Council has developed 2 stages Precincts covering 48 ha. at the Vance Industrial

Estate which currently represents 110 The site for the WR Connect road rail lots which have been developed and is freight hub and rural industry precinct is currently planning the next stage located in Leeton Shire but is regionally comprising of 10 ha. significant.

The Vance Industrial Complex This site has unique attributes that represents a unique area of high quality makes it extremely suitable for the industrial lots from 2,000m 2 to 8,000m 2 further development of a range of rural with road train access, internet and full base industries and business. services and provides a vital element in

the economic prosperity of Leeton Shire.

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Located on the northern boundary of the Council has over the past received Leeton Shire the site consists of development applications seeking to approximately 350ha and is bounded on develop residential accommodation that its western boundary by a classified are accessed from the rear laneway, road Irrigation Way and along its which have been dealt with on the northern boundary by the Wagga/Junee individual merit of the development in railway. A high pressure gas main also lieu of a development control policy. runs along the northern boundary. These laneways provide a unique This site which currently has 7 lots with opportunity to increase the residential lot 4 established businesses is remote from yield within the R3 zone. However, this any adjoining dwellings and is opportunity must also be accompanied surrounded by broad scale irrigated and by appropriate development standards dry area farming land. to ensure that increasing usage does not create issues such as traffic Its location and access to road and rail congestion, on street carparking, transport and a number of large regional garbage collection etc. industries creates enormous potential for future development which needs to 5. Agri-Tourism and accommodation be protected through the establishment of an activation precinct in order to Leeton Shire has a mix of agricultural streamline the planning and production and activities which presents development process for the site. an opportunity in the agri-tourism sector.

4. Lane and development in Leeton Through planning and land use controls various agri-tourism and alternate Within the R3 Residential zone a accommodation uses and types can be number of night soil lanes exist that further encouraged. An increase in agri- provide access to the rear of the lots. tourism and associated agri-business These laneways have existed since the opportunities has the potential to have a development of the residential area and positive impact on the economy via were established to provide access for a increased tourism whilst having a weekly night soil collection service prior positive impact on employment to the installation of reticulated sewer. opportunities across the Shire. These laneways generally average 6m in width. .

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Leeton LSPS Mission

The Leeton Shire Council Local Strategic committed and innovative community to Planning Statement will, in recognition of strengthen and protect our agriculture, our Wiradjuri Heritage and our pioneering manufacturing, education, heritage and forefathers who established our irrigation environmental assets. farming culture, assist our diverse,

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How Do We Get There?

Planning Priorities Implementation,

To achieve the Shire’s 20-year vision, 33 Monitoring and Reporting planning priorities have been identified to Council will ensure the planning priorities guide us towards this vision. The planning are achieved through regular review and priorities cover eight (8) themes to improve monitoring of the actions progress. the social, environmental and economic Monitoring of the actions will where development of our Shire and will form the possible, be aligned to existing review and focus of our strategic planning. reporting schedules including the LEP (5

years) and CSP (4 years). The entire LSPS Actions will also be reviewed every 7 years. This We will work towards the planning priorities approach is consistent with the Integrated by completing the actions according to the Planning and Reporting framework under short (1-3 years), medium (3-5 years) or the Local Government Act 1993. long term (5-10 years) schedule. Actions may include preparation of strategies or Actions will be incorporated in Council’s policies, updates to the LEP or sourcing Delivery Program and Annual Operational funding for projects aligned with our Plans, which are formally reported to planning priorities. These actions are Council and Community on a 6-monthly consistent with our CSP and LEP and will basis. enact some of the Regional Plan actions.

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Priority One – Agriculture

Protect agricultural land functions and support the diversification and value-adding opportunities of agriculture

Agriculture is a significant contributor to incompatible land uses to grow, for Leeton Shire’s economy. The primary example urban expansion and solar farms. agricultural commodities in Leeton Shire are citrus, rice, grapes, cotton, nuts, Link to Leeton Shire Council aquaculture, cereals, cattle feedlots and Community Strategic Plan -2030 abattoirs. The agricultural production Providing development opportunities that sector employed 11% of the Shire’s support the growth plans of existing MI population and contributed $91 million to Customers. the economy (RMCG, 2016) in 2010-2011. Link to Riverina and Murray Joint The importance of agricultural production is Organisation (RAMJO) Statement of reflected in the LEP. Across the Shire, Strategic Regional Priorities 2018-2022 1,011 square kilometres (87%) is zoned A need for more timely water allocation rural to allow for a range of agricultural land notification, improved agricultural uses. Of this land, 886 square kilometres productivity through diversification, value are mapped as Important Agricultural Land adding and innovation, a reduced reliance (DPI, 2018), notably as it is irrigated on high water use crops, and improved farmland that benefited from the nation water trading to better manage risk and building Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme. optimise outcomes for farmers.

It is important that our local planning Link to Riverina Murray Regional Plan controls are adaptive to accommodate new These actions give effect to: land uses which also uphold the Direction 1 – Protect the region’s diverse agricultural function and productivity of our and productive agricultural land productive land. Land use conflict and Direction 2 – Promote and grow the fragmentation of high value agricultural agribusiness sector land can impact our region’s economy by Direction 3 – Expand advanced and value- limiting the productivity, employment added manufacturing potential and diversification of agricultural industries. Therefore, we will preserve our high value productive agricultural land and infrastructure, while providing appropriate locations and transition zones for

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Actions Action 2 – Implement strategies identified by the Rural Land use Study into the Short Term 1-3 Years Leeton Local Environmental Plan. Action 1 – Undertake a Rural Land Use

Study to determine current and likely Medium Term 3-5 Years drivers to agricultural production in the Action 1 – Encourage co-location of Shire, identify current land patterns, trends, agricultural value-added industries where opportunities and threats to ensure land appropriate. use, zoning and planning standards reflect industry requirements. This will include identifying all areas of important Agricultural Land within the Shire to protect them from land use conflict and fragmentation that have the potential to remove or reduce agricultural land from agricultural production.

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Priority Two – Employment

Protect key employment lands and their access to markets

Leeton has a key regional role within the affords Leeton Agricultural producers the agricultural production and manufacturing capability to meet market demands for sector. Value-adding industries are based fresh produce. This will enhance at the Vance Industrial Estate, Brady Way employment opportunities with the and Calrose Street industrial areas and are expansion into new markets and provide an important component of Leeton Shire’s diversity in output for high value agricultural economy. Leeton is also the home of products. Western Riverina Connect (WRConnect), a regionally significant freight, logistics and Link to Leeton Shire Council industrial hub in the Western Riverina Community Strategic Plan - 2030 region. Appropriately locating, servicing Helping existing businesses to grow, and protecting our industrial lands and including increasing our export potential. logistics hubs from incompatible land uses Expanding the range of industries in the is necessary to maintain growth in the Shire. agricultural production and manufacturing Building and Development Approvals being sector. processed by Council in a timely manner. Using different kinds of renewable energy. The viability of our agricultural production and manufacturing sector is also based on Link to Riverina and Murray Joint access to domestic and international Organisation (RAMJO) Statement of markets via the Ports of Sydney and Strategic Regional Priorities 2018-2022 Melbourne. Protecting our important freight Seek to improve connections between our transport routes, including key road and rail towns and villages as well as to capital linkages to WRConnect and Leeton cities and consider technology and Industrial Precinct as well as Leeton innovative service models. Bypass ensuring connection to the Inland A shared Strategy and a shared Rail. Implementation and Resourcing Plan (I&R Plan) for industry, workforce and jobs With the diversification of agricultural growth in the region. output and the drive toward intense and high value produce, the importance of providing further access to domestic and international markets via airfreight logistics

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Link to Riverina Murray Regional Plan These actions give effect to: Medium Term 3-5 Years Direction 3 – Action 1 – Review location and quantity of Expand advanced and value-added Industrial Zoned land. manufacturing. Direction 4 – Action 2 – Review 94A (7.12) development Promote business activities in industrial contributions plan. and commercial areas. Direction 17 – Action 3 – In conjunction with Narrandera Transform the region into the eastern Shire investigate the potential for seaboard’s freight and logistics hub. expansion of the current Leeton- Direction 18 – Narrandera Airport in support of Enhance road and rail freight links. International Freight and Logistics Direction 20 – capability. Identify and protect future transport corridors. Direction 22 – Promote the growth of regional cities and local centres.

Actions Short Term 1-3 Years Action 1 – Advocate for the establishment of a Special Activation Precinct for WRConnect at Wumbulgal for freight, logistics, industrial and port functionality in support of Agribusiness, and progress masterplanning.

Action 2 – Complete an Integrated Watercycle Management Plan.

Action 3 – Review Section 64 Contributions Plan.

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Priority Three – Tourism

Promote tourism opportunities District Bowling Club, Leeton Soldiers Club, Leeton Pony Club, Leeton High Tourism is an opportunity within Leeton School Ovals, gymnasiums and more. Shire to diversify the region’s economy. In

2019 tourism contributed $11m to the Leeton takes advantage of its rich Leeton Shire economy. Despite Leeton not architectural history, environment and local being situated on the major transport route attractions to draw crowds of up to 25,000. between Sydney or Melbourne, several Other tourism opportunities include tourism opportunities draw visitors from the RAMSAR listed Fivebough and Tuckerbil surrounding and wider region. Wetlands that attract visitors due to the

environmental significance and abundant Examples of such opportunities are the birdlife. Leeton Art Deco Festival, the Bidgee In order to accommodate overnight visitors, Classic Fishing Competition, the Bi-annual adequate short-term accommodation SunRice festival, the Leeton Eisteddfod, options within Leeton are essential. There Leeton Band Spectacular and Leeton F1 are also opportunities to partner with Gliding Championships. Leeton Shire has Griffith and Narrandera centres to supply exceptional sporting and recreational adequate accommodation during periods facilities that cater for a wide range of of high demand. The provision of more activities. This includes touch football, short-term accommodation can also benefit rugby league, cricket, rugby union, soccer, working holiday makers employed for futsal, basketball, netball, volleyball, seasonal horticulture work. badminton, squash tennis, swimming, little athletics, gliding, harness racing and more.

A major sporting precinct is Leeton Town Ovals Complex on Palm Avenue. In the vicinity is the Mark Taylor Oval, Leeton Tennis Courts, Leeton Indoor Stadium, Leeton Regional Swimming Pool and the Leeton Skate Park.

Other sporting venues in the Shire include the Leeton Show Ground, Leeton Golf

Course, Yanco Sports Ground, Leeton

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Links to Leeton Shire Council Actions Community Strategic Plan – 2030 Short Term 1-3 Years Improving the range and quality of Action 1 – Investigate agri-tourism accommodation in town. opportunities in the primary production

zones and recommend land uses that Link to Riverina Murray Regional Plan maximise innovation and diversification These actions give effect to: potential in local farm and recommend Direction 7 – supporting accommodation. Promote tourism opportunities.

Direction 26 – Action 2 – Develop a masterplan or Provide greater housing choice. precinct plan for Gogeldrie Weir and

surrounds

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Priority Four – Retail

Enhance Pine, Kurrajong and Wade Avenues to promote retail opportunities and a vibrant place for the community The NSW Department of Planning and The Leeton Central Business District Environment Planning for the Future of (CBD) is characterised as a ‘retail strip’, Retail Study identified the retail sector will comprising of Pine Avenue and Kurrajong undergo rapid changes over the next 20 Avenue. These roads also function as the years in response to demand for online and primary transport corridor through the unique retail experiences. To protect and township of Leeton, providing connections grow our CBD the local planning system to Narrandera and Griffith. Notable features will need to be flexible to accommodate of Leeton’s CBD include the Roxy Theatre, emerging retail trends. a heritage-listed 1930’s art-deco theatre and cinema. Many businesses also occupy Council recently led a land use proposal to historic buildings built during the allow greater accommodation choice in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme from CBD. 1912 onwards.

Links to Leeton Shire Council Leeton’s CBD provides essential services Community Strategic Plan – 2030 to the villages of Whitton, Yanco, Murrami Finalise and implement the CBD and Wamoon as well as surrounding Enhancement program. centres. It is essential that these services Have a deliberate focus on Leeton’s Art be retained and encouraged to grow to Deco heritage. provide a focal point for the community to Ensure our planning rules strengthen and work, meet and shop. do not compromise our CBD.

Have our main street being controlled Leeton’s retail strip hosts numerous locally instead of by State Government. restaurants, cafes, shopping and office buildings. Preservation of the retail strip is Link to Riverina Murray Regional Plan important to us and can be achieved These actions give effect to: through encouraging several larger Direction 4 – Promote business activities ‘anchor’ retailers along Pine, Kurrajong and in industrial and commercial areas. Wade Avenues rather than co-located Direction 29 – Protect the region’s within a shopping centre. Aboriginal and historic heritage.

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Actions Short Term 1-3 Years Action 1 – Develop a Development Control Plan to preserve and enhance heritage buildings in the CBD by introducing development standards on signage, facades and external colours.

Medium to Long Term Action 1 – Complete Implementation of Leeton Central Business District Enhancement Project.

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Priority Five – Housing

Ensure the community has access to diverse housing options

Leeton Shire’s population is expected to infrastructure and avoid environmental grow by 8.9% by 2036, with a 10% increase impacts where possible. The flood study in people aged 65 and over (DPE, 2018). has revealed areas previously identified in Leeton also experiences a seasonal the LEP as flood prone and will require population growth from itinerant workers consideration during the LEP review. employed in industries such as fruit picking and processing. Other potential areas for future housing development may include the likes of the In order to accommodate the changing Roxy Theatre precinct, Brobenah Reserve population, there will need to be diverse alongside Soldiers Club or towards Lake housing options available for permanent Paddock. These potential areas for further and itinerant residents. This is particularly development maybe desirable options, vital as the current most common however would need to be explored further household (couple with children) will be for viability. replaced by single person households in 2036 (DPE, 2018).

Detached Semi-detached Apartments Housing in Leeton is dominated by low-rise dwellings 85% dwellings 5.1% 5.5% detached dwellings. Greater housing choice will be needed to accommodate a diverse range of lifestyles and the needs of Link to Leeton Shire Council an ageing population. Encouraging a Community Strategic Plan - 2030 diverse range of housing will make Leeton Identifying land that might be good for a more attractive place for people to live. building more houses, including special housing types like elderly, youth, lower Leeton lacks housing for new retirees who income and backpacker places and making have a desire to downsize. These retirees sure there is enough transport available for are independent, active and not ready to their needs. transition into an age-care facility. Leeton Promoting house builds that foster health also lacks rental accommodation. and wellbeing and long-term affordability.

Any future housing within Leeton Shire should be appropriately located, with easy access to community facilities, adequate

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Link to Riverina Murray Regional Plan relation to residential accommodation These actions give effect to: design, energy efficiency, accommodation Direction 25 – Build housing capacity to suitable for aging population, affordable meet demand. housing and short term accommodation Direction 26 – such as backpackers. Provide greater housing choice. Direction 28 – Action 5 – Develop and establish laneway Deliver healthy built environments and development standards for inclusion in a improved urban design. Development Control Plan.

Actions Long Term 5-10 years Action 1 – Complete Flood Studies for Short Term 1-3 Years villages including Murrami, Whitton and Action 1 – Complete a local housing Wamoon. strategy to ensure adequate supply of diverse housing choices and should include a review of current residential zoned land against the Flood Plain Risk

Management Study (FRMP).

Action 2 – Develop Water and Waste Water Development Services Plan (DSP) that will facilitate residential growth.

Action 3 – Review local planning controls to provide greater housing choice by investigating existing density standards and minimum lot sizes.

Action 4 – Introduce a Development Control Plan to reflect community acceptable development standards in

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Priority Six – Community

Ensure the community has access to liveable neighbourhoods and quality open space

Leeton Shire residents enjoy a high level of engineering and hazard controls which are accessibility to open spaces, parks, specific our needs. community facilities, sporting fields and reserves. This accessibility is important to Links to Leeton Shire Council our community’s quality of life. Ensuring Community Strategic Plan – 2030 community facilities and spaces are Ensuring land in the Shire is zoned suitably located, maintained and appropriately, including more mixed zones, accessible to all residents is a priority to to encourage safe, healthy living and good sustain our growing population. business. Implementing measures to cater for a Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney range of potential natural disasters. By Griffin designed Leeton in their classic developing footpaths, disability car parks geometric forms and is the first and cycleways that meet priority needs. Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area town. Leeton is characterised by tree lined streets which Link to Riverina and Murray Joint radiate out from the town centre based Organisation (RAMJO) Statement of around a prominent hill which is topped by Strategic Regional Priorities 2018-2022 two art deco water towers. Protecting, Maintaining basic health services and promoting and enhancing Leeton’s historic addressing the changing needs of the structure is important to maintain our local ageing population (e.g. supporting aging in character for visitors and residents. place) and the increased demand for mental health services for both young There is also an important greenbelt people and adults. running from the Leeton Pool, to the ovals, Improving digital connectivity is noted in golf course, showground and racecourse. multiple strategy documents as crucial for One method of protecting our local economic growth as well as our health and landscape is by producing a Development safety. Control Plan (DCP). A DCP will support the Leeton Shire LEP and assist council in the Links to Riverina Murray Regional Plan Development Application process. A DCP These actions give effect to: can contain guidelines to meet certain Direction 22 – development outcomes such as design, Promote the growth of regional cities and local centres.

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pedestrian and disability access friendly Direction 28 – pathways and cycleways. Deliver healthy built environments and improved urban design . Direction 29 – Protect the region’s Aboriginal and historic heritage.

Leeton Shire Playground Strategy 2017- 2032 By establishing a hierarchy for playgrounds Council will have a framework by which it can deliver more consistent approach to the management, development and maintenance of play space areas which are similar in scale, scope and function. It will enable Council to plan for a suite of facilities providing diversity for the community, and a consistent distribution throughout the LGA which minimises duplication of like spaces and facilities within neighbourhoods and districts.

Actions Short Term 1-3 Years Action 1 – Prepare a Development Control Plan to incorporate safer by design principles for residential subdivisions, adequate levels of servicing, provision of appropriate street trees and protection and enhancement of local character.

Action 2 – Increase pedestrian and disability access friendly neighbourhoods to reduce vehicle use by constructing

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Priority Seven – Environment

Protect the region’s environmental assets and increase resilience to natural hazards and climate change

Water is the lifeblood of the Shire. Whether The RAMSAR listed wetlands offer a it is from rainfall or the Murrumbidgee valuable location for biodiversity offsets to River, water security is key for our strong be applied if and when relevant in Leeton irrigation and manufacturing community. Shire. With the extremes of our variable climate, increasing natural hazard resilience is vital Links to Leeton Shire Council for Leeton Shire to manage the impacts Community Strategic Plan – 2030 from drought, water availability and Tackling climate change and adapting to it. floodplain management. To help manage Promoting alternate energy and increasing these impacts we will embrace new renewable energy projects. technologies and practices to reduce Including responsible and sensitive use of carbon emissions, efficiently manage water in future urban and landscape natural resources and appropriately locate planning. developments. Link to Riverina and Murray Joint Within Leeton Shire protected Organisation (RAMJO) Statement of environmental areas are restricted to Strategic Regional Priorities 2018-2022 Murrumbidgee Valley National Park and The need for affordable and clean energy the RAMSAR listed Fivebough and is important for both economic prosperity Tuckerbil wetlands. Identifying non- and environmental sustainability. protected areas with high environmental value is a priority to preserve our local Links to Riverina Murray Regional Plan biodiversity like our Travelling Stock These actions give effect to: Routes. We will adopt the principles of Direction 11 – Promote the diversification avoid, minimise and mitigate to of energy supplies through renewable appropriately manage and protect energy generation biodiversity values from inappropriate land Direction 14 – Manage land uses along uses and development. This will provide a key river corridors balance between the growth of our Direction 15 – Protect and manage the communities and economy, and region’s many environmental assets preservation of local biodiversity values for Direction 16 – Increase resilience to future generations. natural hazards and climate change

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Actions Action 2 – Review current mapping and characterise the environmental values Short Term 1 to 3Years within Leeton Shire. Action 1 – Prepare a Development Control Action 3 – identify protected areas in Plan to incorporate minimum solar access Leeton LGA (e.g. NSW National Parks and levels, appropriate street trees to achieve Wildlife Service (NPWS) Estate, Crown cooler street micro climates, responsible Reserves) and avoid land use and sensitive use of water in future urban intensification adjacent to protected areas. and landscape planning.

Action 2 – Prepare a Development Control

Plan with the inclusion of regulations for vegetation clearing in non rural areas consistent with the State Environmental

Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-rural

Areas) 2017.

Action 3 – Prepare an Adverse Event Plan in conjunction with RAMJO (and having regard to the Murray-Murrumbidgee

Climate Change Snapshot) partners to manage and mitigate risks associated with likes of climate change, including but not limited to floods, droughts and extreme temperatures.

Medium Term 3 to 5 Years

Action 1 – Complete the Leeton CBD

Enhancement Project to improve the amenity and usability of the Leeton CBD by making it a more attractive environment.

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Priority Eight – Heritage and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

Recognise and respect Heritage and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Value

Many different cultures and events have The Shire has one Aboriginal Place being helped shape Leeton Shire’s rich history. ‘Koonadan’ burial site and 64 recorded The traditional owners of the land, the Aboriginal Places. Leeton Shire has 110 Wiradjuri people, have lived in the area for Local Heritage Items which includes a thousands of years and continue to number of items and buildings in Leeton’s influence Leeton Shire’s identity. Aboriginal main street. heritage, cultural values and assets need to Leeton Shire has many cultural treasures be better understood, communicated and that need to be displayed and celebrated. celebrated with pride as shared history Museums such as the Leeton Museum between all community members. (newly developed), Yanco Powerhouse Some noteworthy historic influences in Museum and the Whitton Museum Leeton included people such as Henry sympathetically display the history and Lawson, Walter Burley Griffin and a strong heritage of Leeton.

influx of Italian immigrants as well as the development of the Murrumbidgee Leeton Shire partners each year with the Irrigation Area from 1906 and the Office of Environment and Heritage to renowned Letona Cannery. provide Local Heritage Places grant funding for the refurbishment and Leeton’s main street features many art enhancement of heritage buildings in the deco buildings, some which have been Shire. caringly restored and maintained. The most well-known is the Roxy Community Links to Leeton Shire Council Theatre. Community Strategic Plan – 2030 By the whole community ensuring our main Leeton has 8 State Heritage Register Items street and central areas preserve and  The Roxy Theatre, showcase our heritage.  Yanco Ag High School, By collaborating with our local Aboriginal  Gogeldrie Weir, people to celebrate our Wiradjuri history.  Koonadan,  WCIC Building and artifacts, By sourcing grant funding to complete the  Yanco Weir, Roxy Community Theatre refurbishment  Leeton Railway Station and project. Who may be available to help?

 Hydro Hotel.

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Links to Riverina Murray Regional Plan Direction 8 - Enhance the economic self- Medium Term 3-5 Years determination of Aboriginal communities Action 1 – Undertake and implement regional Aboriginal cultural heritage study Direction 29 - Protect the region’s in consultation with Leeton and District Aboriginal and historic heritage assets. Local Aboriginal Land Council, to inform local land use strategies. Actions Action 2 – Facilitate the repair, Short Term 1-3Years maintenance and adaptive re-use of Action 1 – Promote Leeton Shire’s Local heritage buildings, along with appropriate Heritage Places grant and Heritage infill development, that ensures the Advisory Service to enhance Heritage conservation of the Shire’s heritage. items and the heritage buildings in Leeton’s

CBD. Long Term 5-10 Years

Action 1 – Investigate applying for Action 2 – Introduce a Development Leeton’s CBD “Streetscape” to be State Control Plan to include the preservation Heritage Listed. and enhancement of heritage buildings in the CBD by introducing development standards on heritage compliant designs, signage, facades and external colours.

Action 3 – Increase heritage protection and revitalise the main streets, town centres and villages through community education and development incentives in local plans.

Action 4 – Maintain heritage listings in

Leeton Shire Local Environmental Plan to facilitate the conservation of the Shire’s heritage.

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References

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) /media/Files/DPE/Discussion- (2016). “2016 Census QuickStats: Leeton papers/planning-for-the-future-of-retail- (A)”. ABS. Accessed 2019 from: discussion-paper-2018-04-13.pdf?la=en https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/c ensus_services/getproduct/census/2016/q NSW Department of Primary Industries uickstat/LGA14750 (DPI) (2018). “Important Agricultural Land Mapping: Riverina Murray Region NSW Department of Planning and Agricultural Profile”. NSW Government. Environment (DPE) (2018). “Demography Accessed 2019 from: and Housing - Regional NSW”. NSW https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/ Government. pdf_file/0009/843363/Draft-ial-mapping- https://public.tableau.com/views/Demogra riverina-murray-agricultural-profile.pdf phyandHousingRegionsEPLADPENSW18 129514/About RMCG (2016). “Riverina Murray Agricultural Industries”. RMCG. Accessed NSW Department of Planning and 2019 from: Environment (DPE) (2018). “Planning for https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/ the future of retail – Discussion Paper. pdf_file/0009/843363/Draft-ial-mapping- NSW Government. riverina-murray-agricultural-profile.pdf https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/-

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