Draft ay Murr REGIONAL EGY STRAT

2009–36 This document represents the NSW Government’s position on the future of the Murray Region. It is one of a number of regional strategies prepared by the Department of Planning to complement the NSW State Plan and other State and local strategies and planning instruments. The Regional Strategy applies to the local government areas of , Greater Hume, (Upper Murray), Berrigan, Murray, , , (Central Murray) and and Wentworth (Lower Murray). Once finalised, it will be the pre- eminent planning document for the Region.

The forms the border between the states of NSW and Victoria. In Victoria, the Murray Valley region includes the local government areas of Towong, Wodonga, Indigo, Moira, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Swan Hill and Mildura. The Regional Strategy recognises the close relationships between communities along both sides of the river and the opportunities for considerable growth across the wider valley region.

The Murray River is an iconic inland waterway, supporting important CONTENTS ecosystems, distinctive rural towns and cities and a growing tourism industry. The NSW Murray Region sustains an important agricultural INTRODUCTION ...... INSIDE COVER industry and features a range of significant environments such as River FOREWORD ...... 1 Red Gum forests and wetlands as well as expansive areas of semi-arid scrubland. It also contains one of the richest concentrations of THE MURRAY REGION ...... 3 Aboriginal and European heritage sites in Australia, including the World Heritage Willandra Lakes area. REGIONAL CHALLENGES ...... 5 A vision for the future ...... 9 The Region is under pressure from a range of influences such as climate change, structural change in water use and changes in SETTLEMENT AND HOUSING ...... 14 agricultural production. There is a growing understanding of the need to protect and manage important natural resources for future Economic development ...... 23 generations in the face of development pressure and demographic Tourism ...... 32 change, driven by retirees and ‘tree-changers’ in particular. Natural environment ...... 35 The Regional Strategy incorporates the specific regional infrastructure requirements identified in the State Infrastructure Strategy 2008–09 to Cultural heritage ...... 42 2017–18. It will continue to inform future infrastructure priorities for the IMPLEMENTATION ...... 46 Murray Region, taking into account the broad planning framework identified in the Regional Strategy, to ensure that the Region continues MONITORING AND REVIEW ...... 47 to be supported by services and infrastructure. APPENDIces The Murray Regional Strategy applies to the period 2009–36 and will 1. Sustainability criteria ...... 48 be reviewed every five years. 2. Infrastructure projects ...... 50 3. Murray Region local environmental plan provisions ...... 50 Photo credits: The following photos are reproduced courtesy of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, which holds copyright for their use. MAPS © Murray Darling Basin Authority, www.mdba.gov.au Murray Regional Strategy ...... 12–13 cover, p. 2 Aerial view of rice crop; Yarrawonga Weir, Arthur Mostead Biodiversity assets ...... 41 cover, p. 3, Recreational swimming, Arthur Mostead p. 7 Murray River at Euston, Arthur Mostead p. 11 Aerial view of rice farms, Arthur Mostead p. 27 Channel, Arthur Mostead p. 34 Recreational swimming, Arthur Mostead

Draft Murray Regional Strategy © State of through the Department of Planning www.planning.nsw.gov.au October 2009

ISBN 978-1-921546-53-2 DoP 09-009

Disclaimer: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of printing, the State of New South Wales, its agents and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or any part of this document. F Foreword

With its unique relationship to our and avoid the spread of ad hoc By identifying appropriate locations nation’s largest river and its network development that is isolated from for growth, the draft Strategy also of tributaries, its rich cultural heritage infrastructure and services. This will aims to ensure that development and its status as one of the country’s be predominantly achieved by occurs in a way that safeguards the largest agricultural producers, the reinforcing the role of Albury as a local agricultural industry which, Murray Region is an iconic part of major regional centre, while also valued at around $3 billion per year, the Australian landscape. retaining and enhancing the is the dominant driver of the Region’s character of smaller towns and economic activity. As the NSW Planning Minister, I am settlements across the Region. therefore very pleased to release the The draft Strategy identifies the Draft Murray Regional Strategy—a Of course, any land use planning ongoing development of tourism as a long-term land use planning strategy framework for the Region wouldn’t key economic imperative for the that identifies the Government’s key be complete without appropriate Region and encourages councils to priorities in addressing the Region’s protection and management of land plan for such facilities. important challenges and adjoining the Murray River and its opportunities. tributaries, and a coordinated It also identifies the need for an approach to managing growth with adequate supply of new employment Considering the Region’s attractive associated progress on the Victorian land to cater for an expected 3100 social, economic and environmental side of the river. additional jobs by 2036. values, it is no surprise that an additional 8000 people are set to call This draft Strategy recognises the I encourage everyone to read the the area home by the year 2036, important role that management of draft Strategy and provide feedback many through the widely-reported land has on the health of waterways. on these very important land use ‘tree change’ phenomenon. And of As such, it proposes some key issues that will shape the future of course, these assets are also what measures to better integrate land and the Murray Region over the next 25 drives the Region’s very popular and water management. For instance, it to 30 years. economically important tourism identifies the need to establish a industry. development setback along the Murray and other rivers. It is the job of the draft Strategy to appropriately balance the Region’s Beyond the river itself, the Region competing priorities by providing a has a number of other significant range of housing to meet the needs environmental assets including of a changing and growing several Ramsar-listed wetlands and The Hon Kristina Keneally MP population while ensuring new the World Heritage-listed Willandra Minister for Planning development happens in the right Lakes area. It is also one of the Minister for Redfern Waterloo places. To do this, it identifies the richest sources of Aboriginal need to locate the majority of new archaeology and European heritage development in-and-around existing in Australia. towns to support these communities

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 1 DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 2 1

The Murray region The NSW Murray Region, part of the The Murray River, Australia’s largest The Region’s location provides Murray–Darling Basin, river, is the focus of the Region and some parts with strategic and is of a scale unlike is a significant environmental and economic advantages. The eastern economic asset and cultural icon. and central parts of the Region are any other region in The river, which forms the border just three hours drive from Australia. Covering between NSW and Victoria, Melbourne, the capital city of sustains a $3 billion agricultural Victoria. In addition, the regional 78 869 square industry and a valley population of centre of Albury–Wodonga has the kilometres, it extends over 300 000 across both states. advantage of being on the Hume The connections between Highway, the main transport route along 1400 kilometres communities on each side are between Sydney, Melbourne and of the Murray River—a strong with people crossing the Canberra, which creates river each day to access housing, opportunities in transport and distance longer than employment and services on distribution. The western fringes of Sydney to Brisbane. either side. the Region benefit from good connections to Adelaide, the Parts of the Region have capital city of South Australia. As a The Region is the experienced some of the highest result of the good access to traditional home recent growth rates outside Melbourne, Adelaide and other Sydney, whilst others are major Victorian centres, the Region of eight Aboriginal experiencing very low rates of is also experiencing strong growth nations, including growth and population decline. and pressure for tourism and The Region’s economy is lifestyle development. At present, the Barkindji, Muthi dominated by agriculture and tourism contributes $464 million to Muthi, Wadi Wadi, agricultural industries with a the Region’s economy every year. Wamba Wamba, particular emphasis on irrigated The Murray Valley, including the crops. It contains the third largest local government areas both sides Barapa Barapa, Yorta vegetable-growing area in NSW of the state border, is dominated by Yorta, Dhadaroa and and produces a third of State’s the major regional centres of grapes, a quarter of its citrus Albury–Wodonga in the east and Wiradjuri peoples. fruit, and over half of Australia’s Mildura in Victoria in the west. Parts rice crop.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 3 1 the murray region

of the valley are also serviced by the major regional centres of Bendigo and Shepparton in central Victoria. The remaining towns and villages are much smaller, with most of those located on or close to the river experiencing population growth and those away from the river experiencing population decline.

The Region has a number of significant environmental values beyond that of the river itself. These include the Ramsar-listed1 Barmah–Millewa and Gunbower wetlands, the Koondrook– Pericoota forests, the World Heritage-listed Willandra Lakes area, which includes Lake Mungo, and the extensive network of River rural economy primarily through The Region is projected to grow to Red Gum forests throughout the water trading and agricultural use, a population of over 116 700 by wider Murray region of NSW and and it is vital for tourism and urban 2036, an increase of 8000 people. Victoria. development. A significant Balancing social, economic and challenge for the Region is environmental values of the The Region is one of the richest managing access to water for all Region, particularly with increased sources of Aboriginal archaeology users sustainably, particularly in the pressure for development in the and heritage sites in Australia. It face of climate change and sensitive river-based areas, is a key includes one of the earliest sites of drought. Long term projections for issue for the Region’s future. evidence of human occupation of the Murray Valley indicate Australia at Lake Mungo, while significant declines in rainfall, inflow, 1 Ramsar refers to the ‘Convention on Wetlands of Lake Victoria is one of the largest and increases in temperature and International Importance’, first signed in 1971. early indigenous burial sites in For further information see http://www.environment. evaporation with worst case nsw.gov.au/wetlands/RamsarWetlands.htm. Australia, containing the physical scenarios suggesting reduced 2 Craik, W., Chief Executive of the Murray Darling traces of human life and the burial flows of up to 20% by 2030.2 Basin Commission, 2006. grounds of Aboriginal people who lived there over many thousands of Another significant challenge is to years. The Region is also successfully integrate growth and associated with important early development across both sides of European explorers, including the Murray River. At present, the Hume, Hovell and Sturt. majority of people and jobs are located on the Victorian side. Access to water is a fundamental Without some form of action, this issue in the Region. It drives the pattern is not expected to change.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 4 2

Regional challenges

Population and experienced above average given its strategic location close housing growth. Berrigan has had relatively to Melbourne and lifestyle slow population growth whilst attractions The Murray Region has a number many other areas, particularly in • manage and coordinate growth of significant challenges that are the western half of the Region, in NSW with associated growth quite different to other parts of the have experienced population on the Victorian side of the State. The function and activity of decline. This pattern of population Murray River the Region has traditionally been decline is shared with many other focused toward agriculture and parts of western NSW as rural • manage the expected associated industries. In addition to communities face ongoing drought, population growth in a way that this, the Region is an attractive structural changes to rural reinforces the role of Albury as a holiday and lifestyle destination, industries and outward migration of major regional centre and particularly for older age groups, younger generations. retains and enhances the given its proximity to Melbourne, character of towns and villages its climate, affordability, recreation The main population and housing within a hierarchy of settlements opportunities and character. The challenges are to: • limit the spread of urban Region is well served by large • cater for an extra 8000 people development across rural land towns and major regional centres across the Region over the and minimise damage to the within easy travel distance and period to 2036, providing a environmental value or thus offers opportunities for range of housing to meet the productive capacity of rural land housing and tourist developments. needs of a changing population, • ensure land use planning particularly an ageing The Murray Region includes both provisions protect and manage population3 and declining areas that have experienced strong the riverine environment population growth as well as areas household sizes • provide adequate greenfield with little growth or a declining • acknowledge and understand and infill development population. Since 2001, the the implications of the different opportunities where services population of the Murray Shire has lifestyle trends driving migration are available grown by 12.75%, which is well and tourism, particularly for above the average for NSW. The retirees, and the long term Albury and Corowa local 3 By 2036, the proportion aged 65 or older is implications for the Region expected to double from 16% to 31% of the government areas have also Region’s population.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 5 2 regional challenges

• provide a framework for the Drought, climate change and the • build on or harness planning of new and upgraded greater flexibility of water supplies opportunities derived from the infrastructure and services for present challenges for the Region strategic location of the Region the growing and ageing generally. in relation to major cities of population. Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide The main economic challenges and Canberra. are to: Economy and tourism • protect and enhance the Environment and agricultural industry heritage The regional economy is dominated by agriculture and • recognise the value of rural The Region has a number of associated agricultural processing lands of the Region as unique environmental qualities, industries. In addition, the eastern important for food production generally focused on its major part of the Region has a strong and ensuring the long term waterways. The Murray River in and growing manufacturing sector protection of these assets particular is home to large tracts of and is realising transport and • ensure land use opportunities River Red Gum forests, threatened distribution opportunities due to its respond to market adjustments fauna and is significant in some strategic location on the main and structural changes in parts for international migratory Sydney–Melbourne transport route. agriculture and other industries birds and internationally recognised Tourism is also a significant wetlands. Protecting the riverine contributor to the regional • make small towns more resilient environment is a significant economy and has potential for and economically sustainable challenge that requires the further growth. through appropriate expected growth and development development and employment of the Region to be appropriately Underlying these activities is the opportunities managed so that the natural and significance of water, irrigation and • encourage the ongoing economic assets that rely on water trading to the Region. The development of tourism and riverine health are protected. highly modified and regulated sustainable tourist waterways of the Region have In addition to the waterways, the development, linked to the resulted in a strong and thriving Region is home to some major Region’s character and natural food production industry cultural assets, some dating back resources contributing to national food to the early indigenous inhabitants, supplies and international exports. • ensure an adequate supply of and it has a strong heritage The expanded ability to trade water employment land to help cater associated with early settlers, and the untying of water from land for an expected 3100 additional explorers and the opening up of is expected to result in increased jobs by 2036 inland Australia. The Murray River water efficiencies and greater itself is an important historical trade • recognise the need for productivity across the Region. route and the growth (and infrastructure and service The economic, social and land use sometimes decline) of many towns provision, including additional planning implications of water in the Region can be linked to the river crossings to help support trading have the potential to be history of trade along the River. economic growth and significant. diversification

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 6 The Region is home to some protection of rural landscapes The Murray Valley region is valued unique and important sites of from increased settlement as home for more than 300 000 Aboriginal cultural significance. The people. It is a place known for its • ensure that adverse impacts on Willandra Lakes area, for example, significant environmental values, the riverine environment from has been recognised as a site of including the Murray River itself, its development fronting the World Heritage significance being wetlands and floodplain forests. It Murray River and its tributaries an exceptional example of past is recognised as having one of are minimised human settlement, including burial Australia’s richest examples of sites that are of global significance • better understand and manage Aboriginal archaeology and for the antiquity of burial practices natural hazards when planning heritage sites, including the World represented and also for the for new development, including Heritage Willandra Lakes area. It is information they provide on the flooding, bushfire hazard and valued for its multi-billion dollar development of human societies.4 land degradation agricultural industry and important Other sites with important heritage • appropriately conserve and tourism industry. value include Lake Victoria. These protect heritage items and Opportunities and pressures that areas are of great cultural, values, including both the environmental and scientific value have been acknowledged by both cultural and archaeological the NSW and Victorian and need to be considered in elements of European and regional-scale planning decisions. governments include the impacts Aboriginal heritage, and of climate change, structural The Aboriginal heritage of the incorporate these values within changes to the agricultural industry, Region is centred on the land use planning and natural development pressure and land connections between country and resource management use change, and population culture. Greater understanding of processes. growth and changing these connections will help to demographics. Managing these maintain the value of cultural Cross-border pressures through different landscapes and ensure that coordination institutional arrangements and planning decisions can provide a three levels of government is also a The wider Murray Valley region framework for their ongoing challenge. stretches from the base of the protection. Australian Alps to the South In recognition of shared regional The environmental challenges are to: Australian border. There are strong values, the NSW Government is relationships between communities committed to working • ensure that development on either side of the Murray River. collaboratively with the Victorian occurs in a way that safeguards These communities have shared Government on key land use and enhances the existing values, have similar opportunities, planning issues to achieve a environmental, biodiversity, and face similar pressures, which strategic and complementary cultural, and scenic assets of require coordinated and approach to cross-border land use the Region complementary responses from management, based on the • ensure sustainable both the NSW and Victorian following agreed principles: management of, and access to, governments. natural resources and 4 Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/ places/world/willandra/values.html.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 7 2 regional challenges

• maintain or increase appropriate • responsibly manage land • promote economic and management of the Murray affected by natural hazards employment growth River and its foreshores, • protect agricultural land and • achieve efficiencies in including major tributaries industries infrastructure and service • limit the proliferation of provision • promote settlement and housing development such as moorings diversity including strengthening • ensure climate change is and boat lifts on land existing cities and towns and factored into all planning immediately adjoining the creating viable new areas of decisions affecting the Murray River and its tributaries settlement, where justified Murray River. • limit subdivision that allows • manage cross-border additional water extraction population growth and the rights along the Murray River provision of services in a and its tributaries coordinated and • protect and, where possible, complementary way enhance biodiversity

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 8 3

A vision for the future

A prosperous, Prosperous Su sTAinABle and liveable communities resilient region, An extensive inland river region midway between Sydney and A region that continues to provide which adapts to Melbourne with close links with sufficient and appropriate housing Victoria and outstanding natural opportunities and infrastructure in the changes it and cultural assets, providing ways that maintain sustainable and confronts. opportunities for prosperity and liveable communities within a growth. unique landscape.

A region that is Resilient sustainable and A region that shows leadership in adapting to the challenges of invests now for climate change and adjusting to the changing nature of agriculture the future. in inland Australia.

Communities are resilient and A region with maintain their sense of identity as liveable they meet these challenges. and diverse communities, offering a high quality of life.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 9 3 a vision for the future

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 10 THE STRATEGY AT A GLANCE

The Regional Strategy is an • Reinforce the role of Albury as trading, by setting a strategic initiative of the NSW Government the Region’s major regional framework for decisions on land to guide sustainable growth centre and the opportunities in use change and investment in throughout the Murray Region over taking advantage of its strategic irrigation infrastructure. the next 25 years. It aims to: location and emerging • Recognise, value and protect economic strengths, including the cultural and archaeological • Protect and manage the transport, distribution, heritage values of the Region for sensitive riverine environment of manufacturing, health services both Aboriginal and European the Region’s major waterways and education. (such as the Murray River) to cultures, including the visual safeguard the future health and • Ensure an adequate supply of character of rural towns and the wellbeing of one of Australia’s employment land, particularly in cultural landscapes of the most important natural Albury and other major towns to Aboriginal people. accommodate a projected 3100 catchments, its associated Where development or rezoning new jobs. $1 billion agricultural industry, increases the need for State the needs of downstream users • Protect the rural landscape and infrastructure, the Minister for and the $400 million tourism natural environment by limiting Planning may require a contribution industry. urban sprawl, focusing new to the provision of such • Cater for a housing demand of settlement in areas identified on infrastructure, having regard to the 13 900 new dwellings by 2036 local strategy maps and NSW Government State to accommodate the combined restricting unplanned new urban Infrastructure Strategy and equity pressure of the forecast or rural residential settlement. considerations. population increase, the needs • Only consider additional of a significantly changing development sites outside of population and growing tourism agreed local strategies if they demands for new dwellings. can satisfy the Regional • Prepare for and manage the Strategy’s Sustainability Criteria significantly ageing population (Appendix 1). and ensure that new housing • Ensure that the land use meets the needs of smaller planning system can respond to households and ageing changing circumstances for populations by encouraging a settlement and agricultural shift in dwelling mix and type activity arising from water

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 11 major Regional centre Major regional centres are existing centres suited to accommodate the majority of regional population growth and employment opportunities, and to deliver State and regional services to the entire Region or within the centre’s subregion. A concentration of medium to higher density living, business, employment, professional services, higher order shopping, warehouses, transport logistics and bulky goods operations will be located in these centres. They will be the focal point for subregional road and other transport networks:

major town Larger towns providing local and district wide services, providing employment as well as shopping and business services Willandra Lakes meeting weekly and some higher order Region needs. They may be self contained or support a nearby major regional centre. Attractive and well defined town centres. Lower A range of medium and low density housing Murray types is generally provided. NEW SOUTH WALES LAKE VICTORIA town Small towns with a concentration of local Dareton retail, health, rural support and other Wentworth services. Lower density housing. Reliant on Buronga-Gol Gol larger centres for more specialised services Merbein Griffith and shopping. Mildura

VILLAGE Villages are smaller settlements which have LAKE BENANEE limited local services. Villages contribute to the rural character of the region. Euston Robinvale MURRUMBIDGEEBalranald RIVER

MURRAY RIVER A

Other settlements (outside strategy area) FREEWAY/HIGHWAY EDWARDCentral RIVER Murray

WAKOOL RIVER Conargo MAJOR ROAD Swan Hill

rail LINE Wakool Deniliquin Henty

SOUTH AUSTRALI Barham rural and resource land Finley Berrigan Koondrook Holbrook national park and Walla Walla nature reserves Upper Murray Corowa Gunbower Mulwala state Forest Cobram VICTORIA Barmah Wahgunyah Albury Yarrawonga world heritage area Echuca Wodonga

water body Shepparton

N Bendigo

0 20 40 80km DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY MAP 8 000 more people 13 900 new homes 3 100 new jobs 25 year plan DARLING RIVER 3 subregions

Willandra Lakes Region

Lower Murray NEW SOUTH WALES LAKE VICTORIA

Dareton Wentworth Buronga-Gol Gol LACHLAN RIVER Merbein Griffith Mildura MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER

LAKE BENANEE

Euston Robinvale MURRUMBIDGEEBalranald RIVER

MURRAY RIVER A

Wagga Wagga Tooleybuc Moulamein EDWARDCentral RIVER Murray

WAKOOL RIVER Conargo Murray Downs Swan Hill

Wakool Deniliquin Henty

SOUTH AUSTRALI Barham Finley Culcairn Berrigan Koondrook Holbrook Walla Walla Mathoura Tocumwal Upper Murray Barooga Corowa Gunbower Howlong Jindera Cobram Mulwala VICTORIA Barmah Wahgunyah Albury Moama Yarrawonga Echuca Wodonga

Shepparton

N Bendigo

0 20 40 80km Settlement and housing

Background The Murray Region had a and villages are within two hours population of 108 700 in 2006. drive of a major regional centre The size and diversity of the Murray This is projected to grow by 8000 (including Shepparton, Bendigo Region means that there are a to 116 700 by 2036. and Wagga Wagga outside the range of settlement patterns and Region), providing people with emerging trends. Parts of the Major issues for the Region include access to a broader range of Region are strategically located just managing the demand for housing services, shops and facilities. At three hours north of Melbourne in environmentally sensitive present, 65% of the population of and in the Sydney to Melbourne locations, the decline of towns and the wider Murray Valley Region corridor. Other areas are more villages in more remote rural areas, lives and works in Victoria and isolated. A few parts of the Region the growth in the number of people many NSW residents travel across such as the Murray Shire are aged 65 years and older, and the the border to access employment experiencing some of the fastest coordination of growth and the opportunities in Victoria. rates of population growth in NSW. efficient provision of infrastructure Albury has also grown and services within NSW with the Around half of the Region’s towns considerably. Growth in Victoria is neighbouring communities and villages are located on the projected to remain strong and in Victoria. bank of the Murray River. Eight influence growth in some parts of towns along the Murray River are the Region. Other areas, Settlement context co-located with a Victorian particularly areas away from the counterpart (often referred to as river have experienced population The Region is dominated by three ‘twin towns’). Of these, only Albury, decline in recent times, as a result major regional centres—Albury– Corowa and Barham have of the ongoing restructuring of the Wodonga in the east, Echuca– populations greater than their agriculture sector, the ageing Moama in the central subregion Victorian counterparts. There is population, lifestyle trends and the and the Victorian centre of Mildura, strong demand for new housing in impact of the current dry adjacent to the NSW settlement of the most attractive and conditions. These areas are not Buronga–Gol Gol in the west. In environmentally sensitive areas expected to grow, presenting other addition to the major regional along the Murray River, which challenges for housing and centres, the Region is serviced by needs to be carefully managed. settlement in those areas. a number of major towns, including Deniliquin and Corowa in NSW and The Region’s hierarchy of Swan Hill, Cobram and settlements is shown on the Yarrawonga in Victoria. Most towns Regional Strategy map.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 14 4

Demographic the Region’s population will be Drivers behind the significant change and an aged 65 or older, up from 16% in increase in aged people into the ageing population 2006. By comparison, across NSW Region include the gradual ageing as a whole the expectation is that of the existing population, The population of the Murray 22% of the population will be aged increased life expectancy, outward Region is projected to grow by 65 or over in 2036. Some towns in migration of younger people and 8000 by 2036. While the number the Region such as Moama and increased in-migration of retirees of younger people is likely to Barham already have large and other older people seeking a decline, the number of people proportions of older people (26% change in lifestyle. These changes aged 65 or older is projected to and 33% respectively) compared to the future population will increase by 18 900 between 2006 to the current NSW average of increase the demand for smaller and 2036. Ageing populations are 14%. The trend towards a much and more accessible housing as a widespread demographic trend, greater proportion of older people well as for local services and although the trend is particularly is expected to be strongest in the amenities such as a secure water strong in the Murray Region. In Corowa, Berrigan and Murray local supply, public transport, health 2036, it is expected that 31% of government areas. care and recreational facilities.

T win towns along the Murray In many respects, the ‘twin towns’ interdependencies. For example, Although major employers are on the Murray River often have a Albury and Wodonga (a combined located in both Corowa and high degree of interdependence in population of almost 75 000) are Wahgunyah, Corowa provides the terms of services, employment, both major regional centres but majority of employment, commercial transport links and retail function as one centre and have the and other services. catchments. As separate ability to provide and share a range jurisdictions however, the state and of higher order retail, commercial The challenge for governments at all local government service provision and educational services. Corowa levels is to work together on issues and planning systems are different. and Wahgunyah on the other hand where there is a common interest, have a strong but different whilst acknowledging that there may There are eight cross-border twin relationship with Corowa being be differences in the community towns along the Murray River, each seven times larger than Wahgunyah. expectations of the role of each with its own unique town and how they develop.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 15 4 settlement and housing

Dwelling type and location as well Rural lifestyle Appropriate development of rural as employment opportunities, housing lifestyle housing can contribute to infrastructure and services will the character, economy and social need to be tailored to Rural lifestyle housing provides a fabric of the Region, providing an accommodate the needs of the housing option for those who alternative housing option in rural changing communities. Providing a desire to reside in a semi-rural or communities. However, these greater range of education and urban fringe setting. This type of areas are also subject to many employment opportunities locally development is known by a competing and potentially can help to reduce the outward number of names, including ‘rural conflicting pressures that have the flow of younger people. A more residential development’ or ‘large- potential to impact on some of diverse range of housing types will lot residential development’. It is their most valuable and be needed, including small low- usually located at the edge of irreplaceable attributes. Rural maintenance dwellings for older towns and villages. lifestyle housing in sensitive or people. As well as considering the inappropriate areas has the Rural lifestyle developments have mix and location of dwellings, potential to conflict with agricultural increased over recent decades. planning must consider the and primary production, increase This is not unique to the Murray infrastructure requirements of demand for services and facilities, Region—pressure for this type of communities with a larger and adversely impact upon the development is being experienced proportion of older people. These environment. across Australia in a range of requirements might vary from landscapes and circumstances. In expanded aged health care With its highly attractive rural and the Murray Region, this form of services to more accessible public riverine landscape, demand for development occurs around all spaces and footpaths. rural lifestyle housing will continue major settlements as well as in to occur in the Region. This many smaller rural communities demand also has the potential to with sites along rivers being result in significant environmental particularly popular. impacts. The trend has been to locate rural lifestyle housing

Planning for rural lifestyle housing Rural lifestyle housing can help Carefully planned rural lifestyle • prevent distortions in the support and provide alternative housing can: economic value of housing choice for rural agricultural land communities but must be planned • provide greater housing choice • allow for the management of for and managed correctly. The for rural communities natural resources and consequences of poor planning • ensure infrastructure and biodiversity on privately include the loss of agricultural land, servicing costs are kept to a owned land higher infrastructure and servicing minimum costs, social isolation and • minimise social isolation, for • reduce potential for land use environmental degradation. example, by preventing housing conflict between farm-based in more remote areas. businesses and residents

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 16 adjacent to the banks of major Short-term likely to see a higher demand for rivers. However, if not appropriately accommodation dwellings above what might managed, such development has normally be expected due to the potential to degrade the riverine The Murray Region has a high population growth alone. Even in environment and riparian land. demand for short-term accommodation generated by a areas with no population growth Away from major rivers, rural number of activities. These include there will still be some demand for lifestyle housing also has the tourism and agricultural workers new dwellings and demand for a potential to impact on agriculture such as itinerant fruit-pickers. greater variety of housing types. In and other primary industries. some areas there may be Dispersed and remote areas of The demand for harvest labour can development proposals that seek housing also strain the ability of run to the thousands in some to supply a specific style of local government to provide areas, resulting in a significant dwelling for particular markets such infrastructure and can have poor demand for appropriate short-term as retirees and the more access to the services, education accommodation. prestigious end of the housing and employment opportunities market, not currently being met in A range of opportunities will need located in towns. Areas adjacent to some areas of the Region. to be considered by councils to existing towns and villages are ensure appropriate supplies of Whilst the Regional Strategy will generally more suitable for rural short-term accommodation are plan for the projected dwelling lifestyle housing. available, including motels, farm- demand, there are other factors In the Murray Region the areas based accommodation, short-stay that may reduce that demand in experiencing the most demand for facilities such as bed-and- future such as older people moving rural lifestyle development are breakfasts and hostels. Medium closer to large scale health services around Albury and Moama. In term accommodation opportunities and/or family in other areas. addition, there is some development such as serviced apartments as Similarly, if local growth strategies pressure at Corowa and Mulwala. well as other facilities to support can encourage in-migration, the Other areas along oxbow lakes and tourism and the agricultural rates of growth may change. As tributaries are being sought after for industry also need to be provided. such, the Regional Strategy will be residential or tourist/residential monitored every five years and, development. Dwelling demand where necessary, adjusted to accommodate any changes in A significant challenge for councils, It is projected that an additional trends or projections. particularly within commuting 13 900 dwellings will be needed to distance of larger towns and major accommodate new populations. It The change in the Region’s age regional centres will be to maintain is also needed to cater for structure, workforce structure, and the supply of sufficient land in changing demand due to smaller the number of people per appropriate locations for rural household sizes, and provide household will have implications for lifestyle development in a manner housing choice, including short- the types of dwellings likely to be that safeguards agricultural land, term housing and tourist required in the future. Across respects environmental values and accommodation. Areas Australia there has been a trend encourages the economically experiencing pressure for tourism towards fewer people per efficient use of infrastructure. and lifestyle developments are household. There will be a greater demand for diversity in housing

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 17 4 settlement and housing

form to match the requirements of An estimated 10 100 additional Mulwala will continue to grow changing household structures, dwellings will be needed across the strongly, given its attractive lakeside particularly an increase in one- and Upper Murray subregion. The setting, supply of land for two-person households. majority of these (around 7900) will development and proximity to the need to be located in-and-around large town of Yarrawonga. An It is important to distinguish Albury. Albury City Council has estimated 2150 additional between planning for aspirations identified significant new release dwellings will be needed in the for growth and planning based on areas for urban expansion to the Corowa local government area by population trends and projections. north and east of the city, including 2036. A greater proportion of these Whilst the figures used in this land at Hamilton Valley, Thurgoona dwellings will need to be suitable Strategy are based on projections and, in the longer term, Wirlinga as for older people, particularly in for population and dwelling part of its local strategic planning towns such as Mulwala which are demand, it is appropriate that work. These areas will be sufficient popular places for retirees. councils also consider their to cater for this expected growth in aspirations for their local housing demand. The affordability With the trend for people to move communities when planning for the of housing however is likely to be a to larger nearby centres the future. Aspirations for greater particular issue and local planning population of towns and villages in growth can be reflected in land use for Albury must ensure there is a the Greater Hume local planning decisions such as making range of dwelling types, including government area is likely to land or infrastructure available for more affordable housing, as well as continue to decline. Some new development, which may in some an adequate supply of land for dwellings may still be required to cases begin to influence population housing. cater for changing demand growth patterns. patterns, such as the ageing of the Elsewhere in the Upper Murray population. It is possible that more The Upper Murray subregion towns such as Howlong dwellings will be needed, should and Corowa provide opportunities council strategies for higher growth subregion for those who want to live in a more be successful. In the Upper Murray subregion, rural setting but within commuting there will be continuing population distance of a major regional centre. growth and demand for housing. Across the entire subregion, the population will grow by 8300 by 2036. Strong growth is expected in the Albury and Corowa local government areas with respective population increases of 8100 and 1900 projected. The Greater Hume area is expected to experience a decline in population of 1700 people. In Victoria, Wodonga’s population is also expected to grow strongly, with an additional 9900 people by 2026.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 18 The Central Murray In , towns on the In Wentworth Shire, the settlement subregion Murray River such as Barooga and of Buronga–Gol Gol is immediately Tocumwal can expect some opposite the major regional centre The Central Murray subregion is growth, while other towns are likely of Mildura and is likely to be the likely to have areas of contrasting to gradually decline. Overall, focus of future dwelling growth in growth—some experiencing rapid Berrigan Shire can expect a this part of the Region. Wentworth population growth, while others are relatively stable population Shire Council has identified relatively stable or show substantial between 2006 and 2036, as well opportunities for further urban population decline—over the as demand for approximately 650 development between the two period to 2036. Overall the new dwellings over this period. townships that may in fact lead to population is expected to grow by an increase in the current rate of approximately 600, however, with The recent trend of population development in conjunction with growth pressure around Moama decline in Conargo Shire and the growth of Mildura. and the changing needs of the Wakool Shire is likely to continue Infrastructure in Buronga–Gol Gol population, an estimated 3400 new over the period to 2036. Wakool has sufficient capacity to deal with dwellings will be required. Moama, Shire is planning for growth at growth and the area is within easy which is in Murray Shire, has Murray Downs, which could access of shopping, employment, experienced strong growth in complement the growth of health and education services in recent years and it is expected that neighbouring Swan Hill. In the Mildura. New areas of residential it will be responsible for the longer term, there is capacity for development in Buronga–Gol Gol majority of growth in Central significant residential development. will need to be planned carefully to Murray. The Murray Shire overall is As is the case across the Central avoid flood liable areas and expected to grow by 2600, with a Murray subregion, opportunities sensitive locations close to the demand for 2150 new dwellings. exist for additional growth in towns Murray River. Murray Shire Council is and villages along major rivers, investigating opportunities for large such as Barham and Tooleybuc. is unlikely to urban release areas, focusing on The housing needs of itinerant farm experience significant demand for areas without flooding risks workers will also require new housing. It is likely that existing between the existing urban area consideration throughout the supply of zoned urban land will be and Rich River Golf Club Resort. subregion. sufficient to cater for future housing needs, predominantly in Balranald Deniliquin is the largest town in the and Euston. Central Murray subregion. The Lower Murray Projections indicate its population subregion Urban design and will be relatively stable over the Projections indicate that the Lower character next decade, with a small decline Murray subregion will continue to Good urban design is critical to towards 2036. Local planning will experience a slight decline in improving the sustainability and need to ensure land is available for population, with demand for liveability of communities. Well an additional 450 dwellings, approximately 400 additional designed housing, streets and including opportunities for infill dwellings, as household sizes fall neighbourhoods respond to their development. and different styles of housing natural setting and reflect the local are needed.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 19 4 settlement and housing

Neighbourhood Planning Principles • A range of land uses to provide • Public transport networks that Traditional houses on their own the right mix of houses, jobs, link bus services into major block will be available along open space, recreational space regional centres. with smaller, lower maintenance and green space. homes, and units and terraces • Jobs available locally and for older people, young singles • Easy access to major town regionally—reducing the and couples. centres with a range of shops, demand for transport services. recreational facilities and • Conservation of land in and • Streets and suburbs planned so services along with smaller around the development sites, that residents can walk or cycle village centres and to protect biodiversity and to shops and other activities for neighbourhood shops. provide open space for their daily needs. recreation. • A wide range of housing choices to provide for different needs and different incomes.

culture of the area. Areas The focus for additional housing and sewer will be provided to new developed for new housing should will be in the major regional centre release areas. be designed in accordance with of Albury and in towns. New the Neighbourhood Planning housing in other areas will be Housing developments will provide Principles (see above) to ensure located so that it supports the role for adaptable or specific housing better access to a range of quality of existing towns and villages. for an ageing population. housing, town centres with shops Suitable accommodation and services and open space. The towns and villages will continue to play an important role opportunities will be provided for Outcomes in providing for housing choice workers, particularly itinerant across the Region. Growth and workers. New settlement will meet the development will be managed in a Rural lifestyle opportunities will be projected demand for new housing way that protects and builds on strategically located so that while protecting environmental the important built form, heritage adverse impacts on primary values and natural resources, and and rural character of the towns production, agricultural productivity, in particular, minimising impacts on and villages. environmental values and services the River Murray system. Adequate infrastructure, are avoided. Future residential growth will be community services and transport The supply of affordable housing predominantly accommodated will be provided to service both will be maintained. within existing urban areas or greenfield and additional infill contiguous to existing settlements. development. Reticulated water

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 20 Actions itinerant workers, with • The NSW Government, led by appropriate densities, location the Department of Premier and Settlement and housing and suitability for adapting and Cabinet and the Department of responding to the ageing Planning, will use the Murray • Local environmental plans, local population and the needs of Regional Strategy and planning strategies and other people with a disability. associated local planning statutory planning controls will strategies as the NSW input • Councils and the Department of align with the Regional into any discussions with the Planning will use local strategies Strategy’s settlement hierarchy Victorian Government on cross- to identify areas and/or criteria (as shown on the Strategy Map) border land use planning for permanent residential to efficiently utilise existing strategies and decisions. development associated with services and infrastructure and tourist developments. These will • Councils and the Department of protect areas of high reinforce the role of existing Planning will consult with the environmental value. residential areas within the relevant Victorian government • Councils will use local strategies hierarchy of settlements. authorities where new to consider and respond to the residential development in NSW • The Department of Planning, in supply and demand for housing, is likely to impact on services consultation with councils, will identify the most appropriate and infrastructure in Victoria. establish a framework for a new locations for future residential Murray Land and Housing and rural lifestyle development, Monitor to report on the amount Rural lifestyle housing and assess proposals for new of land available for housing as release areas. • Local environmental plans well as the completion of new should only zone land for rural • Albury will be promoted and housing. The monitor will be lifestyle housing (large-lot supported as the major regional updated annually by councils. residential) in accordance with a centre of population and service • The Department of Planning local government area-wide provision for the Region. and Housing NSW, in settlement strategy approved • Local environmental plans will cooperation with councils, will by the Director-General of the not allow new urban consider a range of affordable Department of Planning. Rural development on land assessed housing strategies, including lifestyle housing areas must be as being of high forms of low-cost housing, located adjacent, or in conservation value. suitable zonings and reasonable proximity, to existing centres and be within access of • Additional housing areas development controls to relevant infrastructure and outside of those set out in improve housing choice. These services, including water supply approved local strategies are strategies must be consistent infrastructure. only to be considered if they with relevant state policies. can satisfy the Sustainability • Councils, in consultation with • Land that has been identified as Criteria in Appendix 1. Housing NSW will investigate having value as a future urban expansion area will not be • Councils will plan for a range of opportunities to protect and zoned for rural lifestyle housing. housing types for both improve the supply of affordable permanent residents and housing, including housing in caravan parks.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 21 4 settlement and housing

• Councils will also be expected • Councils should consider Character to monitor on an annual basis opportunities for greater the amount of rural lifestyle cooperation with service • New residential development housing within their areas, as providers in Victoria when should be designed to reflect well as completions of new planning for the provision of and enhance the natural, dwellings in rural lifestyle areas. infrastructure and services. cultural, visual and built character and values of the • Where a development or local and regional landscape. Infrastructure rezoning increases the need for • New residential development • Planning for urban land must be State infrastructure, the Minister for Planning may require a should be designed to be integrated with the supply of consistent with the relevant infrastructure and contribution from the development, having regard to Neighbourhood Planning services. Reticulated water Principles. supply and sewer must be the State Infrastructure Strategy provided to new urban areas. and equity considerations.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 22 5

Economic development

Background Wodonga), manufacturing is the balancing of many competing largest employer, including major interests. Without the health of the Agriculture, natural resource engineering, plastics, textiles, waterway and the investment in development and tourism (see paper and food processing irrigation infrastructure, the Chapter 6) underpin the Murray industries, and is home to two of economic base of the Region Region’s economic base. Ensuring Australia’s largest interstate road would be fundamentally different. an appropriate balance in the freight carriers and an expanding management of the Region’s rural transport distribution hub. The Region has a number of landscapes is critical to the economic strengths, which should ongoing protection and There were almost 47 500 be recognised and provided for development of its agriculture and employed people across the and/or considered in local strategic associated industries, as well as Region in 2006.5 A proportion of land use planning. These include: maintaining the broad landscapes these people commute across the that define its strong sense of border to access a range of • continuing access to irrigation place and rural character. employment opportunities. At the infrastructure same time, there are many • strong agricultural and food There are obvious subregional residents of Victoria who commute processing industries and a distinctions between various to NSW to work. growing manufacturing industry economic activities. For example, the western part of the Region The backbone to all economic • logistics and transport includes part of the Sunraysia development in the Region is the distribution opportunities district and has a strong emphasis Murray River and its major • proximity to Melbourne and on irrigated citrus, dried fruit, nuts, tributaries. The river is managed by other Victorian regional centres vegetables, grapes and wine a complex arrangement of local, production. The irrigation areas of state and Commonwealth • areas of high amenity and the central part of the Region responsibilities coordinated by the environmental values. include some of Australia’s most Murray Darling Basin Authority. As significant irrigated agriculture a national icon, an ecologically 5 Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006, ABS Census of population and housing, refer ‘Employment by districts and a strong food significant natural waterway, and a Industry’ figures. processing sector. In the eastern nationally significant piece of part of the Region (focused on the irrigation infrastructure, its regional centres of Albury– management involves the

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Regional drivers of and lifestyle qualities, therefore, are growth in transport, logistics and growth critical in attracting investment, distribution, as well as new workers and population. manufacturing and processing, Primary production, being These qualities include: including industries relocating out agriculture, forestry and mining is a of Melbourne. Albury is also a large key driver of rural and regional • an attractive built and natural regional city that provides a range economies, as witnessed in the environment, with cultural and of social, educational, health and Murray Region. However, recreational opportunities administrative services to a wide economic growth in these • access to quality health and catchment. There are also industries is not necessarily educational services important forestry activities, reflected in sustained population supporting a timber products • a range of housing increases. The creation of jobs in industry in the Upper Murray opportunities retail, business and financial subregion. services, tourism and hospitality, • proximity to a capital city, other and health and community services regional cities and a network of The proximity of the Upper Murray is much more likely to lead to surrounding townships and Central Murray subregion to population growth. Melbourne has seen a strong • presence of a university or demand for lifestyle residential and In recent years, Victorian place of higher learning tourist developments along the government research6 has found a • a range of employment options Murray, Edward and Murrumbidgee change to the traditional concept providing opportunities for Rivers as well as its contribution to that regional population growth changing jobs and jobs for one of Australia’s most important follows jobs—particularly as partners. irrigated agricultural areas. employment activity becomes more ‘portable’ through the use of The rate of people shifting out of The Lower Murray subregion improved communication and metropolitan areas to areas with supports a major Victorian regional internet technology. Population the qualities listed above appears centre at Mildura with a large growth itself is emerging as a major to be accelerating. Reasons for this irrigated agricultural sector linked driver of job growth in regional include wider economic forces, to national and international areas. Factors such as commuting, differences in housing affordability, markets. Forestry (based on River lifestyle preferences, skill mobile and affluent groups, Red Gum forests) is important in shortages, new types of jobs, including retirees less concerned the Central and Lower Murray population growth and increases in with job security, and improved subregions. Mining of mineral retirees are all influencing transport, infrastructure and sands in the Lower Murray employment trends and job telecommunications. subregion in areas around creation in regional areas, such as Balranald and Moulamein is also The drivers of economic growth in the Murray Region. emerging as a potentially significant the Murray Region vary across the contributor to the subregional These new trends are seeing Region. In the Upper Murray economy. people drawn to the qualities of a subregion, the strategic location of Albury–Wodonga on the main place as an initial priority, rather 6 Victorian Government 2005, Provincial Victoria: than to locations where Sydney–Melbourne Hume Highway emerging trends in jobs and population, prepared by employment is based. Liveability corridor is resulting in strong RPD Group Bendigo.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 24 The Region is starting to take While some areas of the Region local government areas on the advantage of its strategic locations are growing, many parts of the Victorian side of the border) that with the major regional centres at Region are suffering from low contributes over $3 billion annually either end directly accessing population growth or population in agricultural production. In NSW, Melbourne’s port, airport and decline, particularly those away total irrigation in the State metropolitan market. from the Murray River. contributes 35% of all agricultural Economically, these small towns production from just 1.5% of The Region’s reliance on the and rural communities are more agricultural land;8 clearly the Murray primary and secondary sectors as susceptible to losses incurred from Region is a significant contributor a basis for employment and retailing, social services or to irrigation in NSW. population growth will continue to infrastructure moving out of these cause ongoing issues for many settlements. For example, the loss Agricultural production in the communities. In particular, the of a small business might result in Region is diverse and includes potential variability of commodity the loss of a number of families traditional broadacre farming (such prices and the unknown impacts of from the town, causing declining as wool and wheat), irrigated crops ongoing economic restructuring, school enrolments, which could (such as citrus and stone fruit, rice, climate change and other result in the school closing, which nuts, grapes, olives and pasture) environmental impacts will create in turn results in other families as well as more intensive livestock uncertainty for many industries. leaving the area. farming. Supporting the agricultural base is a food-processing industry, The shortage of skilled workers in Maintaining confidence in local including dairy, wine, fruit and fruit regional areas is a well-established businesses and activities, as well juice, and grains such as rice issue which is also found in the as looking for opportunities to products. The ability of the Murray Region. Many employers diversify into other markets is agricultural industry to respond to a within the Region have trouble therefore vital to maintaining the variety of pressures such as market filling vacancies and a large health and ‘critical mass’ of these and climate variability, as well as proportion of vacancies remain communities. adjusting to the introduction of unfilled for long periods of time. water trading, is vital to a Key occupations experiencing sustainable future for the Region. shortages include health-care Agriculture professionals, teachers, trades, The Region’s economy is largely The agricultural potential of the truck drivers, and child care based on primary production, Region is evident in the 2006 gross workers as well as agricultural particularly agriculture, which value of production, which included labourers. There is a trend for employs 14% of the Region’s $171 million from wheat, $110 itinerant rural workers to locate to workforce and contributes million in grapes, $102 million from the Region at key times of the year approximately $900 million to the rice, $66 million from wool, and (harvest, pruning and so on). In economy annually.7 Irrigated some areas such as near agriculture for most of the Region 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics 2008, Agricultural Buronga–Gol Gol formerly itinerant commodities: small area data, Australia, 2005–06 is estimated to earn $400 million (reissue), cat. no. 7125.0, ABS, Canberra. workers have decided to settle in per annum in farm revenue. 8 Department of Natural Resources 2006, An the area permanently. introduction to water management, available at The Region is part of a wider http://www.naturalresources.nsw.gov.au/nr/p/water_ mngt_4pp_broch.pdf. Murray Valley Region (including

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 25 5 economic development

Drought and climate change The current period of drier than levels in the Snowy Scheme were Without significant changes to average weather (in effect since at their lowest since it was inflow into the system, irrigation 2000) is undoubtedly the most completed in 1973. In 2009, allocations for 2009–10 are likely to serious to affect the Murray Region inflows in the central and southern be very low or zero. This will have since records began in the 1890s. parts of the Murray-Darling Basin considerable impacts across the remain low and storage levels local economy and significant The driest year on record was remain well below average. It is social ramifications as farmers 2006 in terms of inflows to the likely that storage will take a increase debt levels, exit the land, system and the period January to number of years to recover, even and product is reduced. July 2006 was exceptionally dry under average rainfall and inflow with record low rainfall across the conditions. Region. At the same time storage

$23 million from vegetable growing. terms of demand for goods and complex set of administrative The Region also has a significant services. These flow on effects arrangements to deliver water to intensive livestock industry, which boost employment and activity in consumers. The economic was worth $286 million for other sectors, such as prosperity of the Region, its slaughtered pigs and $128 million manufacturing, transport and unique character and its attraction, for the slaughter of cattle and storage, wholesale and retail trade, all rely on water, specifically the calves in 2006.9 property, education and health Murray River. services. Despite its strategic location many The changes to the water-trading of the Region’s industries depend The Region, by virtue of its market in NSW are relatively new heavily on water and natural productive soils, access to and the implications of separating resources, which must be protected irrigation, proximity to Melbourne water and land entitlements are and managed in the face of drought, and good access to international starting to emerge. The planning climate change and pressure from markets, has a comparative implications are potentially other potential water users. advantage in terms of food and significant as the ability to trade fibre production compared to many water permanently out of some The value of primary production to other regions. areas and into others could result the Region is not just reflected in in significant land use changes for employment in the agricultural, W aTER trading both areas. The implications for forestry, mining and fishing sectors, rural communities and industries but also in terms of its contribution The Murray River is a critical to the Region’s gross regional economic asset and natural 9 Australian Bureau of Statistics 2008, Agricultural product. It also has significant flow- resource in the Region and the commodities: small area data, Australia, 2005–06 (reissue), cat. no. 7125.0, ABS, Canberra. on effects to other sectors, in supply of water is managed by a

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 26 may also be significant as some previously been unused, and Implications for land use areas will be ‘winners’ and some nearly 60% of water bought was planning ‘losers’ as the water market to improve reliability of supply, adjusts over time. rather than for expanded Water trading is a force that is irrigation. This suggests that water external to land use planning. For Water trading within states has trading may help to increase the communities along the Murray been possible since the late 1980s. efficiency of irrigation-dependent River, the implications of change In 2004 the National Water Initiative farm businesses, which could help and adjustment can be varied. In was endorsed by the Council of to lessen the severity of changes areas exporting water, implications Australian Governments (COAG) that might occur as a result of can include reduced population and trading was expanded to allow water trading. and less economic activity. for wider application of interstate However, in areas importing water, trade in permanent water Water trading, particularly where there is increased economic entitlement. In recent years, NSW temporary trade, can also minimise activity and employment, increased also moved to separate water the economic impact of drought. populations without adequate entitlements from land title. The The Australian Productivity infrastructure and services can also effect of this is that water can be Commission has found that water be a significant challenge. Potential temporarily or permanently trading substantially reduces the land use impacts of water trading transferred from any associated cost of drought to the irrigation are yet to be fully realised, but may land, potentially resulting in longer community as a whole. In some also include the emergence of term land use changes. areas, where there is tendency for ‘stranded assets’ (which involves high irrigation salinity, the reduced economies of scale in Water-trading policy across government can make a decision utilising irrigation infrastructure for governments operates on the that water should move out of farmers at the ‘end of the line’ premise that removing the link these areas permanently and that a when water has been traded out of between land and water allows net trade-back-in will not be a local area). water to be traded in an open permitted, as has already market thus achieving greater happened in some areas in In addition, the separation of water efficiencies while allowing less Victoria, such as the Kerang– allocation from land title also makes productive farming enterprises to Pyramid Hill area. land use planning more exit with compensation. Trading is complicated for rural areas. There an incentive for producers to In an effort to maintain water for is little or no certainty that particular become more water efficient with environmental flows, the irrigation areas will continue to be the ability to sell any ‘saved’ water Commonwealth Government is used for this purpose. For example, without reducing their own water looking to buy water from many an existing irrigation area may be needs. Trading also allows water farms, including small irrigated lots. significantly reduced in size as a to be purchased for environmental In some instances, water trade may result of water trading, leaving a purposes. encourage more efficient use of multitude of relatively small lots water in these irrigation areas and (e.g. less than 15 hectares) unable The Victorian water-trading allow water being traded from them to undertake economically viable experience in the 1990s showed to be used for environmental flows. dryland farming or alternative that nearly 60% of water sold had farming enterprise. Areas with

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many small irrigated lots may Region. As well, sand destined for Mathoura. As well as timber therefore be less adaptable to use in construction is extracted at production, the forests are used for water being permanently traded various locations in the Region. a wide range of activities, including out than areas where dryland beekeeping, fishing, recreation, farming is dominant and farm sizes Mineral sands are being mined tourism, conservation, grazing and are larger, unless the trading occurs west of Pooncarie. This is currently water management. in a planned and ‘englobo’ fashion. the only part of NSW in which mineral sands mining occurs. River Red Gum forests are Strategic land use planning will Commercially exploitable mineral associated with floodplains on need to identify the likely future of sands deposits have also been inland river systems. The forest such districts where water is identified in areas near Balranald ecosystems are characterised by traded away. The most appropriate and Euston. There is potential for their reliance on a winter/spring land use will be established additional mining in the Pooncarie flooding period, followed by a through consultation with area as well. summer/autumn drying phase to communities and government maintain their ecological diversity, agencies. There has been some The Region is also the location of health and vigour.10 The reduced suggestion that former irrigation mining for gypsum and bentonite recurrence of floods caused by lots should be rezoned to an urban and commercial salt extraction drought and over allocation of or large lot residential zone so that activities. Evaporated salt extraction irrigation water is significantly land owners may be able to occurs at the Mourquong Swamps degrading many areas of forest. subdivide or sell their land and area, near Buronga. There are other realise compensatory gain. Future opportunities for commercial salt The River Red Gum forests are options for the use of these lands extraction including the proposal for also part of to the cultural identity need to be thoroughly examined the Wakool Salt Remediation of communities along the River. having regard to the availability of Scheme. Gypsum is extracted at various locations in the Lower Sustainable management of the an alternate water supply, their economic, social and location, the proximity to a town or Murray subregion while bentonite is also being extracted from the environmental values of the River city, the availability of services and Red Gum forests is essential for compatibility with surrounding largest known deposit in Australia— at Arumpo near Lake Mungo. the economic future of the Murray continuing agricultural land uses. region. The NSW Government intends to make a forest Mining Forestry agreement for the River Red Gum forests of the . The NSW The Murray Region has valuable There are an estimated 530 000 Natural Resources Commission is resources of premium-grade hectares of River Red Gum forests currently undertaking an mineral sands (rutile, zircon and in both NSW and Victoria. The assessment of River Red Gum ilmenite), evaporated salt, gypsum associated forestry industry in the forests, to determine conservation and bentonite (a form of clay). The Region supports direct and indirect outcomes and a sustainable future most valuable of these regional jobs. Forestry and timber- processing are longstanding commodities are the mineral industries for the Central Murray 10 NSW Department of Primary Industries (2006) sands, which have been defined in Managing Murray’s mighty river red gums, http://www. large quantities in the Region and and Lower Murray subregions in dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/bush-telegraph- magazine/spring-2006/managing-murrays-mighty-river. are a significant export for the towns such as Barham and

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 28 for the forests, the forestry industry currently being investigated by the Melbourne is the main port for the and local communities. This Commonwealth. Region. A series of cross-border assessment will be taken into freight rail lines in NSW link to consideration when developing the The Sydney–Melbourne corridor is Victoria and the Victorian freight forest agreement. vital to Australia’s economy. It distribution network. includes the busiest inter-capital Forestry is also a longstanding road corridor, the Hume Highway, There are 30 road and/or rail economic activity in the Upper which carries around 40% of long- bridges across the Murray River. Murray subregion. This area, along distance road freight movements Approximately 100 000 road with the neighbouring South West on the AusLink Network. The vehicles cross the Murray River Slopes region, contains substantial Sydney–Melbourne corridor is also each day and 20 million tonnes of softwood plantations as well as in the top three of the most heavily freight, valued at around $29 native forests managed for timber trafficked segments of the billion, cross the River each year.12 production. These forests produce interstate rail network. The Hume Many of the river communities, sawlogs and pulpwood used to Highway provides an essential road particularly on the NSW side of the manufacture paper. Timber- link that services freight and border, are disadvantaged by low processing industries, including passenger flows between the quality bridges across the river, as paper production and associated economies of Sydney, Melbourne, much of the infrastructure and manufacturing, make a significant Canberra, regional centres (e.g. markets are Melbourne-focused. contribution to the economy of the Albury–Wodonga), and interstate Issues include weight restrictions subregion. This has potential to through-traffic to and from South on bridges and old narrow bridges. grow, if the area devoted to Australia and Queensland. These issues can act as a softwood timber plantations disadvantage to attracting industry expands over the next decade. There are good roads traversing in particular to locate on the NSW the Region from east to west, side of the border. In recent years, including the Riverina Highway. Infrastructure and both the NSW and Victoria These roads do not see major governments have undertaken a services freight or passenger flows— process of upgrading, duplicating instead, the links are mainly cross- and in some cases building new Infrastructure valley. Interstate freight between bridges across the Murray River. Sydney and Melbourne is expected The Region has important regional There still remain a large number of to increase by 70% over the next bridges that are restricted in their and national infrastructure within 20 years. As such, the area around and running through it. It is crossed capacity to take larger volumes of Albury–Wodonga will see traffic or heavy vehicles. by three interstate truck routes: the increasing economic opportunities Hume Highway from Sydney to in transport and distribution.11 The Region is also served by two Melbourne; the Newell Highway Mildura is the third largest transport major regional airports at Albury from Melbourne to Brisbane; and distribution centre in Victoria with and Mildura and is well serviced by the Sturt Highway from Sydney to good access to Melbourne, Sydney Adelaide. Only the Melbourne to and Adelaide. The major originating 11 Commonwealth Department of Transport and Sydney route has an equivalent rail freight flows are to ports and, due Regional Services 2006, Draft Sydney to Melbourne corridor strategy, AusLink. route, although an inland rail route to its proximity and capacity, from Melbourne to Brisbane is 12 Roads and Traffic Authority NSW and VicRoads 2002, Murray River crossings strategy.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 29 5 economic development

three airlines. Albury is a busy proximity of cross-border towns to Employment land regional airport in NSW and Mildura services generally provided by needs airport is the busiest regional major towns. In the Region, most airport in Victoria. There are also people live within one-hour’s There is a desire to see greater small airports at Balranald, driving time of a major regional economic development and Deniliquin, Tocumwal and Corowa. centre or major town. economic self-reliance in the In Victoria there are airports at Murray Region, acknowledging Echuca (Moama) and Swan Hill. A challenge for the Region, that links with towns in Victoria will particularly for areas outside the remain important. It is good Telecommunications infrastructure regional centres, is maintaining or strategic planning to ensure there and broadband internet access is improving the range of facilities and are adequate amounts of also an important issue for the services. Most local governments employment land, zoned and Region. Without access to high are responsible for the provision of serviced, as a way to attract speed broadband it is difficult to varying types of health, aged care, business opportunities to the encourage ‘new economy’ child care, community, sporting, Region and to enable existing business to grow or relocate to the recreation, cultural services businesses to grow. There is also Murray Region. and facilities. potential to capitalise on the advantages created by freight Opportunities exist in the cross- transport links and infrastructure Services border towns along the Murray to improvements such as new further share infrastructure and Providing services to rural areas river crossings. has become an increasingly greater services and to undertake joint challenge for governments as investment in future needs. This is A significant proportion of new population is sparsely distributed a complex issue, given the different employment land will be required in across large areas and as jurisdictional arrangements and the Albury area, supporting its role population decline lowers service legislative requirements, however, as a major regional centre. Albury provision thresholds. For the wider many of these communities do not Council is already planning for a Murray Valley Region, the main differentiate between the NSW and significant new employment service centres are Albury– Victorian sides of the border and precinct at Ettamogah, which will Wodonga and Mildura, as well as collaborative infrastructure and be needed for growing industrial Bendigo, Shepparton, Wangaratta service provision may be more and business park activities. and Wagga Wagga which lie economical for these communities The towns of Corowa, Barham, outside the Region. in the long term. For example, people from NSW may access Moama and Deniliquin as well as The ability for individuals to access higher order health services in the areas of Buronga–Gol Gol may services such as health, education major Victorian centres such as also require additional employment and public transport within a Bendigo or Mildura, while many land, subject to consideration of reasonable distance is more Victorians would access sport and local business requirements and relevant to service provision than recreation facilities in NSW. availability of suitable land and whether a service is located within essential services. a particular town. This has particular significance for the

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 30 Outcomes Local councils and State identified future employment Government will explore land, providing a greater level of The development and ongoing opportunities for better cross- long term certainty for land contribution of primary production border infrastructure and holders and the orderly to the Region’s economy will be service delivery. development of future land uses. recognised through a coordinated, consistent strategic approach to Services and facilities will be • The Department of Planning, land use planning. In preparing consolidated in the major regional the Department of Industry and land use planning strategies and centre of Albury and the Region’s Investment and councils will new local environmental plans, major towns, recognising the work cooperatively to identify each council will identify the major interdependence with major future land use opportunities for economic drivers of its local regional centres in Victoria. areas of irrigated agricultural government area; provide controls lots where water has been reallocated under the to protect key natural and built Actions resources; and identify Commonwealth Government’s opportunities and controls for • Local environmental plans will Structural Adjustment Program. new development. protect land used for primary • The NSW Government will work production, including cooperatively with the The changing face of agriculture in agriculture, mining and forestry, Commonwealth Government to the Region in light of water from incompatible development advise on the preferred land use availability, changing commodity and facilitate related industries planning outcomes in areas prices and other factors will be with appropriate zones and where water buy-back schemes considered and appropriate land planning provisions, consistent are being implemented which use planning responses developed. with State Environmental ensure water for environmental The protection of the Murray River Planning Policy (Rural Lands) flows and protects efficient and riverine lands will be the 2008. areas of production and paramount objective when • Local environmental plans will irrigation agriculture. considering the location of new identify sufficient employment development. land such as industrial land for rural industries and business to An adequate supply of facilitate economic development. employment land in suitable locations is available for business • Councils will identify and build and employment growth, building on the lifestyle and other on existing strengths and advantages of the Region and opportunities. seek to identify new opportunities for employment Existing infrastructure will be and industry to be located in strengthened by the location of the Region. new development and transport and logistics opportunities will be • Local environmental plans will identified and protected from contain policies and planning inappropriate development. provisions that will safeguard

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 31 Tourism

Background and culture of places throughout courses, which attract golfers from the wider Region (including areas beyond the region, particularly Tourism is a significant component on the Victorian side of the border). Melbourne. This type of of the regional economy, principally The Region boasts a diverse range development seeks out attractive based around the Murray River and of tourist attractions, including the locations near the Murray River. contributed over $464 million in Willandra Lakes World Heritage This is particularly evident in 2006. Employment in Area, the riverboat fleet at Mildura locations where water pools, such accommodation and food services and Echuca–Moama, the Deniliquin as . Tourist (such as cafes and restaurants) has Ute Muster, the Henty Farm developments can place additional increased significantly since 2001 Machinery Field Days, and historic stress on the riverine environment with most of the Region towns such as Corowa, Deniliquin and can also place significant experiencing around 17% increase and Wentworth. There are pressure on demand for water. in this area. Tourism directly opportunities for fishing along the Because of this, there is a need to employs around 5.8% of the Region’s rivers and for recreational manage these activities carefully. Region’s workforce, or in other boating and water-skiing at Lake words 2900 people, although there Mulwala and Lake Hume. The rural Continued growth in tourism is are wider employment benefits to landscape provides opportunities strongly supported as a way to the services and retail sectors. for farm-stay style tourism as well build the economic strength of the Murray. Because of the strong Much of the region is within a as events such as food and wine trails, linked to local agricultural connections between tourism and relatively easy distance of the natural and cultural assets of Melbourne and this is reflected in production. In addition, areas near the Murray River are very popular the Region, further growth in the fact that over 50% of all tourism needs to be managed to overnight visitors to the Region are for camping, particularly at Christmas and Easter. ensure these assets are protected from Victoria. Most of the and enhanced. The desire for river- 1.85 million annual visitors come to Camping grounds and caravan based activities and riverside the Region for either day trips or parks form a significant part of the tourist accommodation in particular short breaks and weekends away. tourism infrastructure for the needs to be considered in the light Tourism in the Region is strongly Region. In addition to these, of climate change and uncertainty connected to the natural assets of houseboats also provide holiday over future river flow patterns. the Region, particularly the Murray accommodation. The Region is Tourism should also be managed River itself, as well as the history also noted for its many golf and located so that it strengthens existing towns and villages.

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Tourist development, which residential housing. The location of strategic locations, it is possible to includes a component of these types of developments and take advantage of the existing permanent residential the scale of housing proposed can services, infrastructure and development, should be integrated be very significant to a local area. markets of existing urban areas. with existing settlements, This type of development can also complementing the range of impact on the logical and expected From time-to-time, proposals may employment opportunities and growth pattern of towns and come forward that are outside the available services, rather than villages and create issues parameters of existing strategic being located in isolated areas. concerning the delivery of services planning framework, but may have and infrastructure for councils. merit. Tourist development Balancing the role of the River proposals that are not aligned with Murray as an economic asset for Proposals for residential this Regional Strategy or local tourism and irrigation versus its development, whether associated strategies will only be considered important environmental role (as with a tourist development or not, where they can demonstrate that well as its social and cultural should be considered in the same they meet the requirements of the significance) is a central challenge way as other urban expansion Sustainability Criteria (Appendix 1). for the Region. proposals, and generally be closely associated with existing urban Outcomes Housing associated areas where services and infrastructure are located. In areas Tourism will strengthen the with tourist where residential development is economic vitality of the Region. It developments not considered appropriate, will build on the environmental In recent years there has been a combined tourist and residential assets and the social and cultural trend to combine tourism development will generally be identity of the Region. Tourism will development and accommodation considered to be inappropriate. be sustainable and not deplete or with permanent residential Large tourist/residential degrade the environment of the development. The Murray Region developments should not be Region. located in areas that conflict with has a strong demand for combined Tourist development on the Murray or compromise the growth of tourism-residential developments, River and other associated existing urban centres. By such as marinas and golf courses waterways will protect the natural encouraging these types of with an associated component of and scenic values of the riverine development in well planned,

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environment, including native tourism experiences and tourist • When preparing local strategies vegetation. Tourist development accommodation. and local environmental plans that is permanently fixed within the councils are to assess the best • Where possible, sites identified waterway will be discouraged. locations for tourist-related for new large scale tourist development and consider the related development will be in Large scale tourist development ability to provide new or or adjacent to existing will generally be integrated with upgraded infrastructure and settlements. existing towns and villages. services for such development. • The Department of Planning Tourist development in the Region • Reticulated water and sewer and councils will work will help to make towns and must be provided to tourist cooperatively to identify villages more sustainable. They will development that is integrated appropriate strategic locations not place inappropriate pressure with urban areas. for river-based tourism for urban services (including water) opportunities, which are • Councils will consult with and other infrastructure by being compatible with the need to relevant Victorian authorities located in inappropriate sites. protect the river’s key where a major tourist environmental and development in NSW is likely to Actions scenic attributes. impact on infrastructure, services, land use or the • In preparing local strategies and • Additional areas for tourist- environment in Victoria. local environmental plans, related development outside councils will identify appropriate those identified in local locations for tourist-related environmental plans will only be development. Local supported if they can satisfy the environmental plans will ensure Sustainability Criteria in land is available for a range of Appendix 1.

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Natural environment

Background intensive forestry in the east, tree-dominated floodplain wetlands across vast floodplains with in southern Australia and are listed The Murray Region sits wholly significant River Red Gum forests internationally as significant within the Murray–Darling Basin, and highly regulated irrigation areas wetlands. Australia’s largest river catchment through to the flat, semi-arid basin. Australia’s three longest environment of the west, Approximately 4% of the land within rivers run through the Region: the dominated by large scale dryland the region is managed for Murray, Murrumbidgee and Darling. farming and grazing, interspersed conservation purposes in national All have important cultural, with irrigation areas generally close parks or nature reserves. The economic and environmental to major rivers. region includes two of the three significance. most poorly conserved bioregions The environment of the Region has in NSW—the South West Slopes The Murray River itself is known in been highly modified for irrigated and the Riverina—both of which Australia for its significant and broad scale agriculture over have less than two precent of there European and Aboriginal cultural time, although it does boast area conserved (a figure well below heritage, as well as its role in significant remnant vegetation, national targets). In addition, some sustaining one of the most particularly in areas associated with ecosystems such as the River Red important agricultural areas in rivers and the mallee woodland Gum forests are very poorly Australia. In addition to the Murray, and shrubland in the west. represented in conservation Darling and Murrumbidgee rivers, reserves. There are a number of there are a number of other major The Region also supports some of endangered ecological waterways and water bodies Australia’s most significant natural communities in the Region, wholly within or flowing through the and cultural assets, including the including Halosarcia lylei low open Region, including the Edward, Willandra Lakes World Heritage shrubland and Box-Gum woodland. Wakool, the Great Anabranch of area (incorporating Mungo National the Darling River, , Park), and the Central Murray The Region is home to the , and lakes forests of Millewa, Werai and approximately ten national parks, Mulwala, Hume and Victoria. Koondrook which are listed as including the Mungo National Park Ramsar wetlands. Combined with (88 600 hectares) which is part of The Region has a diverse range of the nearby Victorian forests of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage landscapes from the foothills of the Barmah and Gunbower, these Area, and the Mallee Cliffs National Great Dividing Range supporting forests form the largest complex of Park (58 000 hectares).

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The wider Murray Valley region Much of the riparian vegetation in management of the river system (including local government areas the Region is River Red Gum also attempts to balance the both sides of the Murray River) is forest. There are an estimated provision of water for irrigated home to over 5000 individual 530 000 hectares of river red gum agriculture and the need for wetlands totalling an area of almost forests in Victoria and NSW.14 The environmental flows to sustain the 84 500 hectares, approximately Region’s River Red Gum forests health of the river itself. 85% of which are within State and wetlands include the Barmah- forests. Millewa Forest (66 000 hectares), Water is provided through a and the Gunbower and specific water trading market to a These wetlands are some of the Koondrook–Pericoota forests multitude of users in NSW, Victoria most significant ecological (50 000 hectares). All straddle the and South Australia. The channels environments in the Region, home NSW–Victoria border and are of the major waterways are highly to numerous threatened species of internationally recognised wetlands regulated and the natural winter- flora and fauna, including the with some areas also listed as spring floods have been replaced Superb Parrot, Silver Perch, Murray important areas for migratory birds. by high summer flows to provide Cod, Murray Hardyhead, as well as On the border of NSW and South water for irrigation. The majority of a number of migratory bird species Australia, the Chowilla Floodplain water flow is now contained within protected by international (17 000 hectares) is also an the banks of the river, reducing the agreements. internationally recognised wetland. amount of water reaching the floodplain and putting additional There are many activities that place The Region also includes four of stress on the river channel, eroding pressure on the health on the the six significant ecological assets river banks and leading to the Region’s wetlands. These identified under the joint formation of large anabranches. pressures include: Commonwealth and states’ Living The Murray Region has been in • river regulation (i.e. water flow Murray initiative. These are the Barmah-Millewa Forest, the severe drought since 2001. Inflows and changes to the water to the system since 2001 have regime) Gunbower and Koondrook– Pericoota forests, the Chowilla been the lowest since records • floodplain development (such Floodplain, and the River Murray began in 1892. Whilst there were as levees, supply channels and Channel. The Living Murray longer droughts in the 1890s and roads) initiative intends to return significant 1940s, the current drought is the most extreme and is resulting in • inflow of poor quality water environmental flows of water to the considerable environmental, (such as irrigation drainage) Murray Region, focusing primarily on the six sites identified. This will economic and social stress for • sedimentation have implications for other water those dependent on the River Murray’s water. • irrigation users along the Murray River and highlights the need to use • urban development 13 NSW Department of Natural Resources 2007, water efficiently. http://www.dnr.nsw.gov.au/water/wetlands_area_ • forestry murray.shtml. The Murray River and its tributaries 14 NSW Department of Primary Industries 2006, • overgrazing and anabranches are highly Managing Murray’s mighty river red gums. • introduced pests.13 modified and regulated. The

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 36 Rising temperatures and changing environmental problems are likely to maintaining water quality, providing rainfall patterns are currently being get worse along the Murray. Soil habitat for native species and experienced across the entire acidity, salinity, sodicity and erosion ecological communities and Darling Basin. Climate change are all likely to increase in the near contributing to the scenic amenity of estimates suggest that worst case future, and all will impact on the the area. There are opportunities to scenarios could reduce flows in the economic, social and environmental better protect and reinstate natural Basin (of which the Murray Region wellbeing of the catchment. riparian areas and functions in is a part) by up to 20% by 2030 existing and newly urbanising areas and up to 45% by 2070. Managing the environmental values through the catchment action plans, of the Region at the local level is a land use strategies and local key challenge requiring councils environmental plans. Environmental and catchment management pressures authorities to work cooperatively Parts of the Region are subject to with landowners. The Murray natural hazards and processes that The significant environmental, Catchment Action Plan and the can pose risks to life, property and social and economic values that Lower Murray Darling Catchment the natural environment, namely the natural environment provides Action Plan include management flooding, bushfires and impacts of the Region are potentially targets and regional investment climate change. Processes have threatened by a wide range of priorities for native flora and fauna, been developed to identify the risks development pressures that need riparian lands, rural landscapes associated with flooding and how to be carefully managed. and biodiversity. Ensuring the they can be minimised through land Agriculture and lifestyle amenity objectives of the Native Vegetation use planning tools such as local have played an important role in Act 2003, catchment action plans environmental plans. the development of the Region, and other natural resource and the productivity of these management plans, local The Region has and will continue to activities continues to rely on the environmental plans and this experience pressure for development availability of high quality natural Regional Strategy work together to on or near the Murray River. Unless resources as well as defining the provide a consistent framework for appropriately managed, this can character, sense of place and environmental protection and have significant impacts on a range liveability of the Region. enhancement is important to of social, economic and environmental values. The river is There are parts of the rural achieve long-term environmental utilised for a variety of reasons and landscape of the Region that have sustainability of the Region’s activities. The increasing number of been significantly degraded due to biodiversity. activities undertaken along the river, prior farming practices such as however, has introduced change into clearing and over use of limited Rivre e in environment the landscape that has the potential water. These previous practices to impact on the health of the river. together with the general geology In an environment where climatic of the Region have resulted in a conditions can be harsh, proximity to the water is sought by many 15 Murray Catchment Management Authority 2007, major salinity issue for some areas. http://www.murray.cma.nsw.gov.au/includes/ users. Naturally vegetated riparian documents/pdf/Vol_1_CAP.pdf. The Murray Catchment Action corridors provide a range of benefits 15 Plan notes that many such as stabilising banks,

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Planning for Murray riparian land In 1994, the Department of • minimise impacts arising from planning framework has changed Planning established policies for the use of resources in that time with the introduction of protecting and managing the integrated development approvals, • ensure that native flora and Region’s important riparian areas exempt and complying fauna is maintained through the Murray Regional development and the recent Environmental Plan No. 2— • promote appropriate planning planning reforms. The Department Riparian Lands. and management recently completed a comprehensive review of the The Murray Regional Environmental • preserve items or places of cultural heritage value. Murray Regional Environmental Plan No. 2 sought outcomes to: Plan No. 2 and has concluded that Since its introduction in 1994, • prevent further land degradation much of it has been superseded environmental management and and can be updated through other • restore degraded resources legislation has evolved in NSW with planning mechanisms such as new the introduction of threatened • ensure that resources are used local environmental plans that are species legislation and the within their capability consistent with this Regional catchment management reforms of Strategy. recent years. In addition, the

In Victoria, most of the Murray Given the demographic changes • boating congestion River’s frontage is Crown land and and social and economic • loss of riparian vegetation and therefore managed by the State. influences on the Region, the wildlife habitat In NSW, most riparian areas are Murray riverine environment is privately-owned and subject to expected to continue to attract • removal of snags and other significant development pressures, significant tourism, residential and fish habitat particularly near existing urban other development into the future. • visual impacts areas. Pressures on the riparian This pressure, if not appropriately areas and the River Red Gum controlled, can have major • declining water quality forests include water regulation individual and cumulative impacts • risk of contamination from and over-allocation of water, on the riverine environment. onsite effluent disposal livestock grazing, native Examples of impacts of vegetation clearing, erosion, weed development on or near the • declining availability of water invasion, drought and riverfront include: • destabilised banks. development. The impacts of When considered in isolation, many these threatening activities and • increased flood hazards and activities would not be regarded as processes include habitat loss, flood risks having a significant impact. poor quality water, sedimentation, • conflicts among recreational However, it is the combined impact and economic loss. users, e.g. power boats versus at the source and downstream that houseboats justifies the introduction of uniform guidelines and controls.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 38 Building setbacks One planning response to this The environmental value of rural issue has been the use of building lands is recognised and managed Land close to the river and its setbacks, ensuring that new through planning controls and tributaries is highly sought after for development is separated from environmental management priorities. its visual amenity, microclimate and waterways. Building setbacks will recreational opportunities. These allow the course of streams to The risks from flooding and other locations are often the most naturally migrate over time and natural hazards are minimised. environmentally sensitive and the create opportunities for better Planning controls in local areas most likely to retain and management of riverine vegetation environmental plans are consistent require native vegetation. However, and water quality. Setbacks, with the NSW Government’s land use intensification along the particularly in towns and villages Floodplain Management Manual river and its tributaries is highly are also important to provide (2005), the NSW Flood Prone Land likely to lessen the ability of this opportunities for greater public Policy and councils relevant area to act as a filter between land access to rivers for recreation. floodpain risk management plan. and water, destabilise parts of the riverbank and reduce public The majority of existing The integrity of the Murray River access to the river for recreation. environmental planning instruments and other major waterways is not along the Murray River require undermined or compromised by Evidence from existing buildings and other forms of urban development or riverine developments along the Murray development to be set back from structures. Development along River show that buildings near the the River and setbacks have been major waterways will be managed river, particularly dwellings, often in force along the Murray River for to improve water quality, minimise result in increased demand for over 20 years. The consistent risks from floodwater, support the other structures and works on or application of a building setback natural migration of the river near the river (such as retaining from the Murray River is considered channel, protect scenic landscape walls, moorings, boat ramps, jetties important to achieve appropriate values, protect cultural heritage, and stairs). These structures environmental and planning maintain bed and bank stability usually require excavation of the outcomes across the ten local and conserve habitat corridors. river bank, which impacts on bank government areas. stability and the waterway itself and Actions create the need for artificial stabilisation techniques such as Outcomes • In developing local strategies retaining walls. Importantly, much The Region’s existing biodiversity is and local environmental plans, of the Victorian side of the Murray valued and protected by councils will confirm the River is held in Crown ownership strategically directing new urban location and conservation and consequently has little development, including significance of key riverfront development. The visual employment lands, away from environmental assets and impact of private development in areas important for conservation, constraints such as riverine NSW is often most significant when biodiversity, functional and corridors, significant remnant viewed from the river itself and aesthetic values, such as the vegetation, groundwater from the recreational areas on the riverine environment. aquifers, salinity and flood Victorian side of the Murray River. prone land, in consultation with

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 39 7 natural environment

the Department of Environment, under the Floodplain • Where a building setback line Climate Change and Water Development Manual. has not been designated in a when identifying potential new non-urban zone (as described • New development adjoining or urban release areas. in Appendix 3), local adjacent to areas of high environmental plans will • Local environmental plans will biodiversity value will consider establish a 100-metre building identify and protect land with the need to incorporate setback from the bank of a river. environmental, agricultural, appropriate buffers to avoid economic and cultural values land use conflict. • Councils shall consult with through appropriate zoning and adjoining councils in • Councils will establish a building development controls: Areas of determining appropriate building setback line from the bank of high biodiversity value (as setback lines along rivers. rivers, to the satisfaction of the indicated on the Biodiversity Director-General of the • Local environmental plans will Assets Map) and habitat Department of Planning. protect the riverine environment corridors will be protected Building setback lines will be by controlling development of through the use of incorporated in local river based structures, in environmental protection zones, environmental plans in accordance with the model local provisions and accordance with the model local provision contained in development controls. provision in Appendix 3. Appendix 3. • Local environmental plans will • Where a building setback line • Councils are to work with the include the endorsed model has not been designated in an catchment management provisions and maps for land, R5 zone or a new urban release authorities to ensure that the water and biodiversity. area, local environmental plans aims and objectives of • Councils will investigate will establish a 40-metre catchment action plans are opportunities to increase public building setback from the bank considered in the future access to scenic river frontages of a river. management and planning of in urban areas. local government areas. • When preparing local environmental plans and development control plans, and when considering development applications, councils will consider controls to limit the creation of additional water rights on land fronting watercourses. • Development will be minimised in areas with known flood risks as identified in floodplain management studies prepared

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 40 BIODIVERSITY ASSETS MAP DRAFT MURRAY DRAFT MURRAY d

d Y es tion v a v D resource lan resource dy d HIGHWA Y/ ROA reas

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DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 41 Cultural heritage

Background through festivals and events modifications to the landscape offering an insight into historic life. have altered the cultural and The cultural heritage of the Region natural heritage that once existed, is strongly defined by the Murray The communities of Aboriginal the remaining archaeological and River itself and its rural landscapes. people who live in the Region have cultural heritage of its Aboriginal These landscapes reflect the a strong sense of belonging to and communities remain significant and connection to the agricultural and being part of the land. The eight worthy of protection. rural lifestyles of the towns and Aboriginal nations (including the villages as well as a deeper Barkindji, Muthi Muthi, Wadi Wadi, Places may be valuable to people connection to the cultural origins of Wamba Wamba, Barapa Barapa, for a range of reasons, including the Region in terms of its early Yorta Yorta, Dhadaroa and social and spiritual beliefs (e.g. agricultural development. The Wiradjuri peoples) of the Region traditional resource use, law, communities of the Region are very have cultural and traditional knowledge, recreation and meeting active in keeping their connection associations over countless places), historic (e.g. sites of of the rural landscapes of the past generations. Although substantial conflict, missions, events or their

Willandra Lakes—World Heritage site The Willandra Lakes region is an The Willandra Lakes region was SEPP will require the World extensive area that contains a inscribed on the World Heritage list Heritage values of the Willandra system of ancient lakes formed in 1981 for both outstanding Lakes to be taken into over the last two million years, cultural and natural universal values. consideration when undertaking most of which are fringed by a land use planning on or near the crescent-shaped dune or lunette. In order to protect the World property. The SEPP will identify Aborigines lived on the shores of Heritage values of the Willandra matters to be taken into account in the lakes for at least 50 000 years, Lakes (as well as the other World the consideration of any and the remains of a 40 000-year- Heritage sites around NSW) the development proposals to be old female found in the dunes of Department of Planning is carried out on the World Heritage Lake Mungo are believed to be the preparing a new State property and within the buffer zones. oldest ritual cremation site in the environmental planning policy world.16 (SEPP) for World Heritage. The

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associations with the past), to a particular use or association The progressive regulation of the aesthetic (e.g. visual appeal) and can also be shown. Information River Murray allowed the Region to scientific/archaeological. identified through this mapping be more intensively settled and process supplements information ensured an adequate, reliable The Murray Region is one of the held by the Department of water supply for the growth and richest sources of Aboriginal Environment, Climate Change and development of agriculture archaeological and heritage sites in Water and knowledge held by local (particularly irrigation, which began Australia. For example, at Lake Aboriginal communities. Councils in the 1880s). For example, the Mungo the earliest evidence of and government authorities will be , completed in 1936, human occupation of Australia was encouraged to utilise Aboriginal holds a volume of water five times discovered. There still exist a large cultural landscape maps to better the size of Sydney Harbour and number of indigenous nations in conserve cultural heritage. has ensured a continuous flow is the Region and areas that maintained along the Murray. traditionally supported a large European history of the Region Without storages and regulation, it Aboriginal population prior to highlights the importance of the is likely the Murray would have European settlement. Lake Victoria Murray River as a ‘highway’. Many ceased to run during the various in the far west is known to house river towns were established in the droughts over the last 70 years. one of the largest burial sites in mid- to late-1800s, and river Australia and the largest of non- transport was crucial to providing The significance of the River agricultural people in the world. access for new settlements along Murray can be recognised in its the river’s length in all three states specific reference in the Australian It is possible, if working closely with (the main transport mode until the Constitution as well as the Aboriginal communities, to identify introduction of rail transport in the collaboration of the and map areas of cultural value to 1880s). In 1864, the Port of Commonwealth, NSW, Victoria, Aboriginal communities. Such Echuca become the largest inland South Australia, Queensland and mapping identifies cultural port in Australia and second only to Australian Capital Territory landscapes which are locations, the Port of Melbourne in the 1870s. governments through the areas or regions valued by an establishment of the 1915 River Aboriginal group (or groups) The Region is also associated with Murray Waters Agreement and its because of their complex important early explorers such as relationships with the land. Areas Hamilton Hume, William Hovell and 16 Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and identified as holding more specific Charles Sturt. the Arts, http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/ places/world/willandra/values.html. value to Aboriginal communities due

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 43 8 cultural heritage

successor, the Murray-Darling range of heritage items and unplanned development may spoil Basin Agreement. The early heritage conservation areas across the values that currently attract establishment of the River Murray the Region. As councils prepare tourists, new residents and Commission and its later new local environmental plans, economic development to the replacement by the Murray-Darling planning and environment area. Failure to recognise and Basin Commission (as well as the agencies, catchment management incorporate heritage in planning the ratification of identical legislation by authorities and Aboriginal Region’s future is likely to all participatory governments) also communities should be specifically eventually limit its potential from an highlights the national significance consulted along with the broader environmental, social and of this Region. community to ensure the cultural economic perspective. For heritage of the Region is protected example, buildings and other Planning for the Murray Region and managed. structures can have a significant requires an understanding of the impact on a visual catchment and complex and inter-connected The pressure for growth and where they are inappropriate it government and statutory bodies development has the potential to potentially creates a precedent for that administer and plan for the degrade and weaken connections lower standards of development in Region. Existing local to the region’s historic past. There the future. environmental plans protect a is a risk that inappropriate or

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 44 Outcomes The Region’s major regional strategic planning process. In centres and major towns will areas that are to be the focus of Existing and potential cultural continue to evolve their forms, urban expansion and heritage sites, places and while still maintaining the heritage development, councils will landscapes are identified, values and links with the past. require cultural heritage protected and conserved so that Smaller towns and villages will assessments including intrinsic links to the Region’s grow at a rate that enables historic archaeological surveys to be Aboriginal and non-aboriginal character and charm to be undertaken in consultation with cultural heritage are preserved. reflected in new urban forms. local Aboriginal communities. There is input and involvement of • Councils will review the scope owners, custodians and other Actions of the existing statutory lists of interest groups into the heritage items and ensure that • Councils are to prepare identification and conservation of all places of significance are community heritage studies, cultural heritage. Strong working included in the heritage ensuring that Aboriginal cultural relationships and an understanding schedules of local and community values are of the diversity of cultural heritage environmental plans in new considered in the future values in the Region including local environmental plans. aesthetic, historic, scientific, social planning and management of • The Department of Planning will and spiritual values continues to the local government area. develop planning controls develop. • Councils should consider through a World Heritage SEPP undertaking landscape There will be improvements in the for the Willandra Lakes World Aboriginal cultural heritage recording and management of Heritage Area. assessment, in consultation cultural heritage information, with local Aboriginal land respecting cultural sensitivities to councils, as part of their local better inform strategic planning.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 45 9

Implementation

The Murray Regional Strategy will Local environmental Contributions be implemented primarily through plans local environmental plans, Funds collected from contributions development control plans, the The Murray Regional Strategy will from major developments may be State Infrastructure Strategy and provide the framework and context used for regional infrastructure, funds collected as developer to guide the preparation of all new consistent with the State contributions. local environmental plans. All ten Infrastructure Strategy. local councils in the Murray Where development or rezoning The State Infrastructure Strategy Region—Albury, Greater Hume, increases the need for State 2007–08 to 2017–18 identifies Corowa, Berrigan, Murray, Infrastructure, the Minister for infrastructure projects in the short- Conargo, Deniliquin, Wakool, Planning may require a contribution to-medium term that (among other Balranald and Wentworth—will be from the development, having things) support population growth required to prepare a new local regard to the State Infrastructure and demographic change in the environmental plan. These plans Strategy and equity considerations. Murray Region. A list of projects will guide future development and from this strategy is contained in must be consistent with the Funds collected by councils Appendix 2. outcomes and actions in the through local contributions plans Murray Regional Strategy. The Regional Strategy sets out the and levies may be used to fund local infrastructure. agreed position of the NSW Section 117 of the Environmental Government over the future of the Planning and Assessment Act Murray Region. The Regional 1979 allows the Minister for Strategy will be recognised in the Planning to direct the content of a State Infrastructure Strategy as a local environmental plan. This will long term planning strategy to be be the mechanism by which local used by State agencies and public environmental plans will be trading enterprises to understand required to be consistent with the and provide for the future needs of Regional Strategy. the Region.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 46 10

Monitoring and review

Progress on actions established in this Regional Strategy will be monitored annually. The delivery of new housing and employment lands will also be monitored annually.

The Murray Regional Strategy will be comprehensively reviewed every five years, so that it can adjust to any demographic and economic changes. This will assist local councils with their five-year review of local environmental plans.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 47 A1 sustainability criteria Appendix 1

The following Sustainability Criteria matters that any new proposal will with all rezoning proposals, the allow the Government to take be assessed against. Department of Planning requires a strong positions in relation to thorough assessment of the merits matters of urban settlement in the In order that a development of the proposal by the LEP Review Murray Region confident in the proposal can be considered Panel, as well as requiring public knowledge that innovative against the Sustainability Criteria it consultation through the statutory development proposals can still be will be necessary to demonstrate processes as set out in the considered even though they may to the local council, as well as the Environmental Planning and be outside of the regional strategy State Government, that the Assessment Act 1979. process. The Sustainability Criteria proposal meets all relevant aspects represent a clear, transparent list of of the Sustainability Criteria. As

Threshold Sustainability Criteria for any proposed development site outside designated areas in the Murray Regional Strategy Measurable explanation of criteria 1. Infrastructure Provision • Development is consistent with the Murray Regional Strategy, any subregional strategy, the State Infrastructure Strategy and relevant section 117 direction. Mechanisms in place to ensure utilities, transport, open space and • The provision of infrastructure (utilities, transport, open space and communication are provided in a timely communications) is costed and economically feasible based on government and efficient way methodology for determining infrastructure development contributions. • Preparedness to enter into development agreement.

2. Access • Accessibility of the area by public transport and/or appropriate road access in terms of: Accessible transport options for efficient and sustainable travel between > Location/land use – to existing networks and related activity centres. homes, jobs, services and recreation to > Network – the area’s potential to be serviced by economically efficient be existing or provided transport services. > Catchment – the area’s ability to contain, or form part of the larger urban area which contains adequate transport services. Capacity for land use/transport patterns to make a positive contribution to achievement of travel and vehicle use goals. • No net negative impact on performance of existing regional road, bus, rail, and freight network.

3. Housing Diversity • Contributes to the geographic market spread of housing supply, including any government targets established for aged, disabled or affordable housing. Provide a range of housing choices to ensure a broad population can be housed

4. Employment Lands • Maintains or improves the existing level of subregional employment self– containment. Provide regional/local employment opportunities to support the Murray • Meets subregional employment projections. Region’s expanding role in the wider > Employment–r elated land is provided in appropriately zoned areas. regional and NSW economies

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 48 A1

Threshold Sustainability Criteria for any proposed development site outside designated areas in the Murray Regional Strategy Measurable explanation of criteria 5. Avoidance of Risk • Residential development is not inconsistent with the principles of the Floodplain Development Manual 2005. Land use conflicts, and risk to human health and life, avoided • Avoids physically constrained land, e.g. > high slope > highly erodable. • Avoids land use conflicts with adjacent existing or future land use as planned under relevant subregional or regional strategy. • Where relevant, available safe evacuation route (flood and bushfire).

6. Natural Resources • Demand for water within infrastructure capacity to supply water and does not place unacceptable pressure on environmental flows. Natural resource limits not exceeded/ environmental footprint minimised • Demonstrates most efficient/suitable use of land. > Avoids identified significant agricultural land. > Avoids productive resource lands – extractive industries, mining and fishing. • Demand for energy does not place unacceptable pressure on infrastructure capacity to supply energy – requires demonstration of efficient and sustainable supply solution.

7. Environmental Protection • Consistent with government–approved regional conservation plan (if available). Protect and enhance biodiversity, air • Maintains or improves areas of regionally significant terrestrial and aquatic quality, heritage and waterway health biodiversity (as mapped and agreed by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water [DECCW]). This includes regionally significant vegetation communities, critical habitat, threatened species, population, ecological communities and their habitats. • Maintains or improves existing environmental condition for air quality. • Maintains or improves existing environmental condition for water quality. > Consistent with community water quality objectives for recreational water use and river health (DECCW and the catchment management authority [CMA]). > Consistent with catchment and stormwater management planning (CMA and council). • Protects areas of Aboriginal cultural heritage value (as agreed by DECCW).

8. Quality and Equity in Services • Available and accessible services. Quality health, education, legal, > Do adequate services exist? recreational, cultural and community > Are they at capacity or is some capacity available? development and other Government services are accessible > Has Government planned and budgeted for further service provision? > Developer funding for required service upgrade/access is available?

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 49 infrastructure A2 Appendix 2 projects

State Infrastructure Strategy 2008–09 Justice Electricity to 20017–18 projects for the Murray Police Transmission Regional Strategy area Deniliquin police station to Buronga line uprating Human Services Transport Jindera to Albury 132kV line Health Roads Distribution Deniliquin – ambulance station upgrade Hume Highway, Holbrook bypass Mulwala zone substation Ageing, Disability and Home Care (federally funded) Albury – Stronger Together: Hume Highway, bypass Water New Accommodation (federally funded) Country Towns Program Southern Hume Highway duplication Deniliquin sewerage upgrade: stage 2 (federally funded) Mulwala sewerage augmentation Murray River – new bridge and Wakool sewerage upgrade approaches at Echuca, Moama Wakool – Yallakool Regulator (State and federal funding) refurbishment and fish passage

murray region— local environmental A3 Appendix 3 plan provisions

The following model local provisions relate to development on river front areas and river based development. They are to be adopted by councils when preparing the local environmental plan for their area, in accordance with the standard instrument for local environment plans and this Regional Strategy.

Note: The River Murray, for the purposes of these clauses, is defined as the waters and the bed and banks of the river, its tributaries as well as associated watercourses and waterbodies, including anabranches, lagoons, lakes, billabongs and wetlands. Development on river front areas

(1) The objectives of this clause are to: (a) support the natural migration of the river channel, including riverine processes, and (b) protect and improve the bed and bank stability of rivers, and (c) maintain or improve the water quality of rivers, and (d) protect the amenity, scenic landscape values, cultural heritage of rivers and public access to riverine corridors, and (e) conserve and protect riverine corridors, including wildlife habitat. (2) Despite any other provision of this Plan, development may only be carried out, with development consent, on land in the river front area for the following purposes:

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 50 A3

(a) a boat launching ramp, boat repair facility, boat shed, charter and tourism boating facility or marina, (b) the extension or alteration of an existing building that is wholly or partly in the river front area (provided that the extension or alteration will be located no closer to the river bank than the existing building), (c) environmental protection works, (d) extensive agriculture and intensive plant agriculture, (e) walking trails, cycleways, picnic facilities, recreation areas and recreation facilities (outdoors). (3) Development consent must not be granted under subclause (2) unless the consent authority is satisfied of all the following: (a) the appearance of the development, from both the river and adjacent river front area, will be compatible with the surrounding area, (b) the development is not likely to cause environmental harm such as: (i) pollution or siltation of the river, or (ii) an adverse effect on surrounding uses, riverine habitat, wetland areas, flora or fauna habitats, or (iii) an adverse effect on drainage patterns, (c) the development will only cause minimal visual disturbance to the existing landscape, (d) continuous public access, and opportunities to provide continuous public access, along the river front and to the river will not be compromised, (e) any historic, scientific, cultural, social, archaeological, architectural, natural or aesthetic significance of the land on which the development is to be carried out and of surrounding land will be maintained. River based development (1) The objective of this clause is to: (a) Maintain and improve the quality of water in rivers, (b) Protect the environmental values, scenic amenity and cultural heritage of rivers, (c) Protect the stability of the bed and bank of rivers, (d) Limit the impact of structures in rivers on natural riverine processes and navigability of rivers. (2) This clause applies to the bed and bank of a river. (3) Consent must not be granted for a development on land described in subclause (2) except for the following purposes: (a) environmental protection works, (b) boat launching ramp, mooring, jetty, (c) charter and tourism boating facility, (d) retaining walls, steps or stairs. (4) Before granting consent under subclause (3), the consent authority must be satisfied that: (a) the development will contribute to the achieving of the objectives of the zone in which the land is located, and (b) the development, or use of the development, will not increase erosion, and (c) any proposed structure will not be located on an outside bend of the river, and (d) the appearance of any proposed structure, from both the watercourse and the adjacent land, will be compatible with the surrounding area, and (e) the development will not cause an adverse effect on riverine habitat or flora and fauna habitat, and (f) the development will not cause an adverse effect on drainage or flow patterns, and

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 51 A3 Murray Region local environmental plan provisions

(g) no more than one mooring per allotment or holding will be established.

Note: State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 may allow other uses such as waterway or foreshore management activities, flood mitigation works or soil conservation works in the bed or on the bank of a river. Drafting direction

The following definitions must be included in the Dictionary. bed, of a river, means the whole of the soil of the channel in which the river flows, including the portion: (a) that is alternatively covered or left bare with a rise or fall in the supply of water, and (b) that is adequate to contain the river and its average or mean stage without reference to extraordinary freshets in the time of flood or to extreme droughts. river means the [ … ] River, the [ … ] River and the [ … ] River. river front area means the land between the river front building line and the bank of the nearest river or if there is no river front building line: (a) in Zone R5 Large Lot Residential or an urban release area—the land within 40 metres of the high bank of the river, or (b) in Zone RU1 Primary Production, Zone RU2 Rural Landscape, Zone RU3 Forestry, Zone RU4 Rural Small Holdings, Zone RU6 Transition, Zone SP3 Tourist, Zone E2 Environmental Conservation or Zone E3 Environmental Management— the land within 100 metres of the high bank of the river. river bank means the limit of the bed of a river. River Front Building Line Map means the [ … ] Local Environmental Plan [Year] River Front Building Line Map. river front building line means the line shown as the river front building line on the River Front Building Line Map urban release area means an area of land shown hatched and lettered ‘Urban Release Area’ on the Urban Release Area Map. Urban Release Area Map means the [ … ] Local Environmental Plan [Year] Urban Release Area Map.

DRAFT MURRAY REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 52

2009–36 Department of Planning Western Region PO Box 58, Dubbo NSW 2830 Email: [email protected] Inquiries: 1300 305 695 Have your say your comments on the welcome We draft Murray Regional Strategy. Please send them to: