The state government has completed its consultation on protecting agricultural land on the edge of Melbourne from overdevelopment.
Prior to the 2018 election, the government promised to permanently tighten planning controls to better protect Melbourne's green wedges and peri-urban agricultural land.
"Once this farmland is gone, it's gone forever, that's why we're re-writing planning controls to protect it," Planning Minister Richard Wynne said.
"I thank locals, farmers and everyone who has contributed feedback during the consultation, your input will be vital in identifying strategic agricultural land and delivering on this vital election commitment."
Livestock producers say red tape, and unrealistic expectations of what farming involves, are two of the biggest impediments to retaining agricultural production in Melbourne's peri-urban fringe.
Mr Wynne said extensive feedback had been received through multiple workshops, more than 400 online and written submissions and engagement with more than 800 people.
He said the feedback received emphasised the need for Victoria's planning system to:
- Recognise the importance of access to water to support agriculture
- Minimise land use conflict and protect the right to farm
- Factor in long-term changes to the productive capability of land
- Ensure all of Melbourne's agricultural land is protected and supported
Mr Wynne said it ensured that green wedge and peri-urban areas were carefully planned and managed, to avoid irreversible land-use change and support their ongoing productivity.
The government would continue to engage closely with farmers and the local community as the project progressed, with an invitation for further input before planning system changes were implemented next year.
Some of Victoria's most productive agricultural land is within 100 km of central Melbourne.
In 2015-16 the region grew 10 per cent of Victoria's agricultural production.
The full report is available here.
