Farm Management Plans
Property-specific Farm Management Plans prepared to support rural planning applications and explain how agricultural land will be productively managed.
Request a QuoteWhat a Farm Management Plan does
A Farm Management Plan can be an important part of a planning application involving agricultural land. It brings together the property context, current and proposed agricultural use, management of the land, relevant infrastructure and the practical operation of the proposed farm.
Where a proposed dwelling or development needs to be justified in relation to agriculture, the plan will also explain the relationship between that development and the agricultural use of the property.
When might an FMP be useful or requested?
- a proposed dwelling on Farming Zone or other rural land where the relationship between the dwelling and productive agriculture needs to be demonstrated
- a planning application where agriculture is the primary use of the land and council needs clear information about the proposed farming operation
- a new, expanded or changed agricultural use where supporting agricultural and land-management information is needed as part of a planning application
- a council request for further information about the agricultural use, management or operation of a rural property
- another rural planning proposal where the responsible authority asks for a Farm Management Plan or equivalent agricultural information
What can the plan cover?
Property & planning context
Property details, zoning and overlays, surrounding land use, relevant planning considerations and the proposed development.
Existing land conditions
Topography, soils, water, drainage, vegetation, pasture, access, fencing, infrastructure and existing agricultural use.
Proposed agricultural enterprise
The farming activity, scale, production system, stocking or cropping arrangements, infrastructure and management requirements.
Operation & viability
How the enterprise is intended to operate in practice, including labour, production requirements, monitoring and development over time.
Land management
Relevant soil, pasture, erosion, weed, pest, waterway, vegetation and nutrient management considerations.
Mapping
Clear property mapping showing existing and proposed features, agricultural areas, infrastructure and relevant management works.
Our process
1. Initial review
Send the property address, a short description of what you are proposing and any council correspondence or planning material you already have. We review the available information and confirm the scope before you commit to the full report.
2. Property assessment
We review mapping, planning information and property details. A site visit is arranged where it is useful or required to properly understand the land, agricultural activity or proposal.
3. Plan preparation
We prepare the Farm Management Plan and supporting mapping around the particular property, enterprise and planning issues.
4. Review and final report
You review the factual details and proposed management arrangements before the report is finalised and provided for use with the relevant planning material.