City of Coffs Harbour farm gates open to new business opportunities

RURAL landholders in the Coffs Harbour region will have fresh opportunity to diversify their income stream on the back of a rule change which clears the way for destination weddings, artisan food and drink enterprises and tourism experiences.

City of Coffs Harbour has finalised a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) amendment to permit with development consent artisan food and drink industries and rural function centres in the RU2 Rural Landscape zone, opening the door for carefully managed tourism and hospitality ventures that complement existing agricultural activities.

Mayor Nikki Williams said the change would provide greater flexibility for rural landholders while maintaining strong protections for agricultural land, rural amenity and the environment.

“While specific endeavours will require development consent, this clears a path for rural landholders to innovate and in turn support the growth of agritourism and visitor experiences which showcase the unique character of the Coffs Coast,” Mayor Williams said.

“It strikes an appropriate balance between encouraging economic opportunities in rural areas and ensuring development remains small-scale, low-impact and compatible with surrounding land uses.”

At its 23 October meeting last year, Council voted to send its planning proposal to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure seeking gateway determination – and this has now been ratified.

Under the amendment, artisan food and drink industries and rural function centres will be permitted with consent within the RU2 Rural Landscape zone, excluding land identified as important farmland under the North Coast Regional Plan 2041.

The amendment is supported by new chapters within the Coffs Harbour Development Control Plan 2015, which provide detailed guidance for future developments.

City Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon said a new LEP clause establishes development standards and matters for consideration to ensure proposals do not adversely affect rural amenity, agricultural production, biodiversity values or environmental outcomes.

It’s important to note landholders still require development consent and need to meet certain criteria around matters such as traffic, noise levels, waste management, hours of operation and to be visually in keeping with the local landscape.

To maintain the rural character of the area, artisan food and drink industries will be limited to a maximum dining floor area of 120 square metres.

Rural function centres will also be subject to strict operational controls, including:

• A maximum of 30 operating days within any 12-month period
• No more than one event per weekend
• A maximum of 150 guests at any event; and
• Prohibitions on operating as convention centres, exhibition centres, or venues for music and dance festivals.

“The amendment aims to support destination weddings, farm-based tourism and other compatible rural enterprises while ensuring developments remain appropriate for their rural setting,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The City believes the changes will help strengthen the local visitor economy, create new business opportunities for rural landholders and enhance the region’s reputation as a sought-after destination for agricultural and nature-based experiences.