Supporting Rural Landowners

Rural properties in Nillumbik support conservation, farming, horse riding and many other activities.

Rural properties in Nillumbik support conservation, farming, horse riding and many other activities.
Photo of Ben Ramcharan

Supporting Rural Landowners

I have a great deal of respect for rural landowners. Owning a rural property in Nillumbik doesn’t come without its challenges and I know how much landowners value the environment in which they live and thrive.

Weeds and pests are a major problem in Nillumbik. As a councillor, I am working towards improving existing programs that help rural landowners control weeds on their land and identifying the demand for further programs to be created. I’m also supporting efforts to find new, more effective ways to manage feral species such as deer

I’m working hard to support and strengthen programs to effectively manage weeds and pests on private property.

I’m aware of some of the difficulties that landowners experience when applying for planning permits. In Nillumbik, planning rules are complex and difficult to navigate. I will work with council staff and residents to simplify planning processes and create clear expectations so landowners don’t end up throwing away thousands of dollars applying for a permit that will be inevitably denied by Council. I will also work hard to make sure all landowners are properly informed about how planning processes work as well as the regulations surrounding what they can and can’t do.

Strong, clear planning regulations are important to protect all landowners from the few who want do to the wrong thing. You wouldn’t want your neighbour building a helipad or constructing a new dwelling along your fence line for example. Planning rules protect landowners from these situations but currently, they are simply too complicated and this needs addressing in Nillumbik.

I’m working hard to simplify and streamline planning processes to save you time and money.

I also understand the difficulties experienced by Nillumbik rural landowners after Black Saturday. I will assist local community groups and CFA brigades to continue running information sessions about how to best prepare your property and how to ensure that your home is properly insured. It’s important that Council makes every effort to assist landowners with navigating State Government guidelines if they find themselves in a position of needing to rebuild.