The meeting began with a brief presentation by consultant Michael Ryan, Booth & Associates, Griffith, who has been contracted by Weddin Shire to review the appropriateness of its current 400 hectare (1,000 acre) lot size minimum. Noting that agriculture is the largest industry in Weddin by land use, by value of production and by employment, Mr Ryan told the gathering that the purpose of the current 400 hectare threshold – that is, the minimum land parcel on which a dwelling can be built – is to protect the agricultural resource. The rest of the evening was devoted to questions and comments from the floor aimed at determining whether the current requirement is achieving that goal.

The overwhelming majority of farmers in attendance agreed that the current minimum lot size is stifling development in the shire. Some said opportunities were being lost to neighbouring shires with smaller minimum lot sizes. Others with inter-generational family operations related their personal experiences with the difficulty of providing housing on suitable land for both the retiring and incoming generations.

Several attendees noted the severe shortage of small, good quality blocks, in contrast to the oversupply of unappealing small blocks of poor quality.

And while most in the room expressed general support for the need to protect prime agricultural land, it was noted that if current land values were applied over 400 hectares or more, the result was beyond the means of younger farmers.

The clear consensus from the meeting was that Weddin’s Minimum Lot Size should be reduced to 200 hectares (500 acres).

Members and non-members are welcome at the next local NSW Farmers’ Association event, a Regional Forum and Dinner at Young on Wednesday 29 February. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Harvey Matthews on 6343 5131 or Regional Services Manager Rachel Galvin on 0427 773 495.