Rural tourism was a hot topic as councillors debated a new policy which aims to allow tourism, agriculture and environmental sensitivities to coexist in the region.
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A report on the outcomes of public consultation regarding the draft Wingecarribee Rural Tourism Policy was presented to council on November 13. A total of 21 submissions were received.
Southern Highlands resident Ms Laurel Cheetham addressed council.
Ms Cheetham was concerned with the "potential impacts on landscape" in the region. "What do we want people driving through our landscape to see?," she asked.
Council staff recommended the adoption of the policy with amendments to increase the maximum number of bedrooms in farm stay and bed and breakfast accommodation from three to five, permit artisan food and drink in primary production, rural landscape and tourist zones, permit function centres with consent in rural landscape zones, exclude function centres from the temporary use of land clause and insert a definition for equine breeding or training establishments.
Councillor Larry Whipper put forward a motion to increase the number of of bedrooms in farm stay accommodation to eight.
He said the food and wine industry "increases the economics of the region and is a substantial employer."
"It is something that we can market and protect as well."
Councillor Ian Scandrett said eight was "a very good number".
"It is important to try and give support to farmers," he said. According to the report "council recognises the economic challenges that traditionally face rural communities and that rural based tourism provides the potential for a broader economic base in these communities. Council also recognises that there are community concerns associated with certain forms of rural tourism and recognises the need to seek a balance between the two."
The motion to adopt the Rural Tourism Policy was carried unanimously.
