Candidates clash over draft farm fence rules

MEMBER for Bass Jordan Crugnale has refuted criticisms made by a Liberal Party candidate regarding certain proposals for agriculture under the state government’s Distinctive Areas and Landscapes (DAL) program.

As part of the DAL’s draft Statement of Planning Policy (SPP), farmers in the proposed Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) areas could be required to obtain a permit to construct a fence.

However, this doesn’t apply to a post and rail fence up to 1.8 metres in height or post and wire fences.

According to Liberal Party candidate for Bass, Aaron Brown, he met with local farmers recently who expressed serious concern over the government’s proposed landscape planning controls for rural land within the Significant Landscape Overlay of Bass Coast.

“Farmers are bewildered by what the government proposes. Fences are not an optional extra, they are an absolute necessity,” Mr Brown said.

“Farmers can be prosecuted if their cattle, sheep or other animals stray onto roads, and when a farm fence needs to be replaced it should not be subject to an inevitably lengthy and costly planning permit process. It could potentially take months to
receive a permit.”

Other restrictions and permit requirements apply to sheds and the removal of exotic trees and shelter belts.

“If a farmer wishes to remove exotic tree species it should be ‘as of right’,” Mr Brown said.

“The decision guidelines suggest that sheds and structures must be located out of sight of road corridors and public walking tracks - a requirement which is costly and impractical.

“I am calling on the Andrews government to abandon all proposals which adversely
affect the farming community in Bass Coast.”

In response to the points highlighted by Mr Brown, Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale said she took “umbrage” with his comments that were fuelling an issue “that does not exist”.

“Mr Brown knows full well that there was a drafting error and that there is no requirement for a permit for post and wire fencing up to 1.8m,” she said.

“Along with other Victorian Farmers Federation Bass Coast members, he also was at the April 14 [meeting] that I organised with DELWP representatives to discuss their concerns and seek guidance for DAL submissions.

“Post and wire fencing will continue to be exempt and this will be reflected in the final planning policy.

“Let’s be clear that what is proposed is a planning permit for fences other than post/wire and post/rail up to 1.8m in an SLO.

“All the feedback from the DAL is being considered and we absolutely understand the important role farming and value our farmers here in Bass Coast.”