Media Release

Authors Note: I came across this and feel it should be public knowledge. Importantly I make the following observations.

1. Congratulations to both Councillors for speaking out, it seems to be a rare aspect of our Elected Representatives these days, I ask why?
2. I note that the Media release is a compilation of their personal views.
3. Are our elected representatives not allowed to voice an opinion in public?
4. I am concerned re the apparent confidentiality of Councillor Briefings, perhaps this has answered #1 - #3 above.
5. Is this an example of our open, honest, transparent, Local Government?
6. The subject matter of the release itself is a cause of concern.

JM:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rural Land Use Strategy

Councillors Sonia Buckley and John White have deep

concerns re the proposed Rural Land Use Strategy

that is set to become policy at the 6th of June

Council Meeting.

When injustice becomes Law

Resistance becomes Duty

We are voicing our personal opinions and not that of the East Gippsland Shire.

The strategy which was initially set in motion by the previous council has diverged. The policy was to

ensure larger farms remained whole but not by disadvantaging those who already own smaller farms

and restricting how they use them.

We urge all Councillors to consider their positions and support an amendment to keep the 40 hectare

rule in place for current owners. This rule is still held at many Rural Shires including Wellington, that 

allows homes to be built on 40 hectare allotments to encourage smaller farms. Building permits and 

planning overlays still apply.

As the only farmers on Council and personally conducting wide community consultation re the

matter, we have personal insight, we cannot in good faith support the RLUS Policy in its current form.

Our Land

and

Our rights matter.

To date the Agricultural committee has supported the policy, however we feel it has been a grave

oversight not to challenge this aspect of the RLUS Policy and ask they reconsider their position.

The 40 hectare land owner who purchased in good faith or perhaps has owned the land for a long time,

knowing they could build, will be forced under the new strategy to go through a lengthy process to

support their application to build on the property . A farm plan will also be required which will come at 

a significant cost and no guarantees of success at the end. This new 80 hectare rule would mean to 

build on your land you would have to buy another 40 hectares of adjacent land, if that was available 

and if you could afford it.

Councillors briefings are now deemed fully confidential. 

We question the legitimacy of this clause and have challenged it. 

Being able to discuss with rate payers about protecting our farms is integral to planning and future 

proofing. We are elected to find fair outcomes. The introduction of any future minimum subdivisions 

on large parcels of land is a good outcome for food security

24th May 2023.