A GROUP of landholders have launched a change.org petition calling on the local government to reduce red tape for farmers who want to run agritourism ventures on their properties.
In a statement to the Canungra Times, Agritourism Reform Queensland (AFQ) said, “It is difficult to comprehend why any operator would willingly subject themselves to the development application process, especially when the costs and financial burden are shrouded in ambiguity.”
“No town planner, Council staff, nor even the Mayor, CEO, or Economic Development team can provide any clear guidance on the final cost, leaving business operators to navigate an unpredictable and potentially crippling financial process.”
A Council spokesperson said assessment is dependent on the circumstances of the individual site, making it difficult to provide a cost until each site has been assessed.
“Sites which have significant natural hazards or other impediments will need to provide greater detail in their applications which could increase costs,” they said.
Hazards include traffic safety, additional infrastructure required, impacts on neighbours and safety for campers, especially in relation to vehicle access and the risk of flood and bushfire.
AFQ is advocating for reforms similar to those in New South Wales which eased restrictions for primary producers creating income through agritourism.
“The NSW reform may not represent an ideal solution, particularly given that many landowners are not primary producers, we believe that the current approach is excessively restrictive.”
State Member for Scenic Rim, Jon Krause acknowledged the important role agritourism has in the Scenic Rim.
“I have heard, over the last 12-18 months, the concerns of local farmers who have faced compliance action from Council, and the prospect of having to fork out thousands in council application fees – in some cases even after Council has encouraged them to set up agritourism ventures,” he said.
“Agritourism has a growing and important place in our region and I have taken this view straight to the Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell who is overseeing the development of Destination 2045: A 20 year plan for Queensland Tourism.”
“Although consultation closed in this process on 28 February, I encourage further submissions to be sent to destination2045@dtis.qld.gov.au so all views can be heard.”
Council and industry representatives have established a working group on this issue.
“Council has had an initial meeting to identify the issues and plan actions going forward,” the spokesperson said.
“Further meetings have been scheduled to progress these discussions.”
“It is important to note that there are many businesses that have expended funds on meeting the requirements from both a State and local government perspective.”
“By meeting these requirements, businesses are creating a safe environment for visitors to the region.”
Hipcamp Public Relations Officer, James Nixon said there are about 65 current Hipcamp Hosts across the Scenic Rim.
Since the beginning of the year, six Hipcamp locations have been shut down, representing 23 campsites.
“In 2024, Hipcamp hosts welcomed over 59,000 visitors to their properties across the Scenic Rim, bringing in more than $1 million in revenue, driving dollars back into the local economy,” said James.
At the time of print the change.org petition had 684 signatures.
The petition is available at change.org/p/reform-agritourism-scenic-rim-and-queensland-support-the-farmers.
