Petition for Reform: Cutting Red Tape to Empower Farmers in The Scenic Rim and Boost the Local Economy

To: The Local Government and Relevant Authorities of The Scenic Rim

We, the undersigned, call on the local government and relevant authorities to take immediate action to reduce unnecessary red tape and support farmers in The Scenic Rim by creating new opportunities for alternative income streams. This will help alleviate financial pressures, reduce mental health challenges, and strengthen our regional economy.

The Importance of Creating New Avenues for Income

The Scenic Rim is an area rich in natural beauty and agricultural history. However, our farmers are facing increasing challenges, with many struggling to make a living through traditional farming practices alone. Climate change, fluctuating commodity prices, and increasing production costs have made it difficult for many to maintain a sustainable income. Farmers are now looking for new ways to diversify their sources of revenue, and allowing them to do so would help build a stronger, more resilient community.

Mental Health and Wellbeing of Farmers

It is well-documented that farmers face unique mental health challenges, with studies showing significantly higher rates of depression and suicide compared to other professions. The financial stress of running a farm is a significant contributing factor, and many farmers feel isolated with limited support. Creating alternative income avenues, such as agritourism, will not only provide financial relief but also offer farmers the opportunity to engage with the community and feel a sense of pride in showcasing the beauty and sustainability of their land.

The Barriers to Agritourism: High Development Application Costs and Intimidation

One of the major obstacles farmers face when attempting to diversify their income through agritourism is the cost of obtaining a development application (DA). The cost for a DA to establish an agritourism business can range from $40,000 to over $100,000, depending on the scope of the application. However, farmers who wish to open their properties to self-sufficient campers or offer low-impact experiences are not seeking to develop large-scale infrastructure or make major changes to their land. They simply want to share their land and lifestyle in a way that is sustainable and minimal in terms of environmental impact.

The current DA process is not only prohibitively expensive but also often unnecessary for what farmers are hoping to achieve. These costs are a significant burden, especially when farmers are already struggling to make ends meet. There needs to be a more reasonable and affordable pathway for farmers who wish to open their farms to visitors who come prepared to be self-sufficient.

Furthermore, farmers in The Scenic Rim have been subjected to heavy-handed tactics by local authorities. Property owners have been threatened with show-cause notices for amounts upwards of $500,000, despite not engaging in any development or making changes to their properties. The fear of large fines has led to a culture of intimidation and uncertainty. Some officers have entered properties without permission, using scare tactics and creating an atmosphere of hostility, rather than providing support and guidance to farmers. This behaviour is deeply concerning and has led many tourism operators to close their doors, fearing retribution or further penalties for simply attempting to earn a living in a sustainable way.

Agritourism as a Lifeline

Opening farms to self-sufficient campers and other forms of agritourism through platforms like Hipcamp has proven to be a successful model in other regions. This is a sustainable way for farmers to generate income while providing visitors with the opportunity to connect with nature, learn about farming, and experience the beauty of our region. Visitors also contribute significantly to the local economy, spending money on local food, supplies, and other services.

Success of Agritourism in NSW

Since the introduction of agritourism reforms in New South Wales, many farmers have found new financial opportunities by hosting campers, offering farm stays, and providing agricultural experiences. These reforms have allowed farmers to diversify their income without the need for expensive and complex development applications. The success in NSW shows that supporting agritourism benefits both farmers and local communities. The same opportunities should be available to farmers in The Scenic Rim.

The Benefits for The Scenic Rim

By embracing agritourism, The Scenic Rim can:

• Create a new and sustainable revenue stream for farmers.
  Reduce financial stress, helping to improve mental health outcomes.
  Provide tourists with the opportunity to experience the unique beauty of our region and support local businesses.
  Generate additional income for the local economy, from accommodation to local suppliers and attractions.
  Increase awareness of the importance of sustainable farming and environmental practices.

Our Request

We urge the local government and relevant authorities to:

Cut unnecessary red tape and simplify the regulatory process for farmers wishing to engage in agritourism, particularly for those who want to host self-sufficient campers or offer minimal-impact experiences.
Offer clear, affordable pathways for farmers to engage in agritourism without the burden of costly development applications, particularly for low-impact, self-sufficient visitors.

Address the heavy-handed tactics by local authorities, ensuring that farmers and tourism operators are treated with respect and support rather than intimidation. Specifically, farmers should not be subjected to large fines or show-cause notices without clear, reasonable justifications.
Promote initiatives that support mental health services for farmers and their families.

Increasing Job Opportunities for Locals

Supporting agritourism also creates significant employment opportunities within the local community. As farms open their doors to visitors, there is a growing demand for local services such as hospitality, maintenance, food production, and transportation. Local businesses and suppliers will benefit, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the entire region. This model not only helps farmers but provides sustainable, year-round employment for locals, contributing to the overall economic resilience of The Scenic Rim.

Create incentives and resources to help farmers transition to diversified income models, including support for agritourism.
Farmers are the backbone of our region, and it’s time we support them with the tools they need to succeed and thrive. By reducing red tape, simplifying the development application process, and embracing new income opportunities, we can ensure a stronger, more sustainable future for The Scenic Rim and its agricultural community.