‘Getting away from it all’ is an Australian dream. In our area, getting away from it all often involves buying a rural block. Rural blocks can be productive farmland, a bush block or a combination of both.
For some, getting away from it all means finding a healthy environment to raise children, or a place to retire away from the stress of the city. Others want to commune with nature or find a weekend escape. The environment is under pressure from our collective lifestyles. All levels of government are pursuing sustainable development to protect our environment for the future. Local activities have a significant effect on water quality and catchment health. We have a responsibility to ensure that we care for and maintain healthy rivers, streams and bushland. We also need to get along well with our neighbours so that we can all achieve our individual goals without affecting the pleasure of others. However, the rural landscape is a productive farming and resource area, and some of the legitimate activities carried out in the area may have unavoidable impacts. Rural lands also help protect native vegetation which is home to wildlife, including many threatened species. These flora and fauna are not only important parts of the ecosystem, but provide amenity to landholders and visitors. Different people will want to manage their land in different ways. Some will want to keep and enhance the existing bush. Others will want to run stock and cultivate crops. Whatever your goals as a landowner or manager, you need to be aware of your rights and responsibilities. |  |
The Rural Living Handbook brings together some of the significant issues that you will face as a rural landowner or land manager in our community. It also provides contact details of people, websites and organisations that provide support to rural landowners. As organisations change from time to time, useful internet searches are also listed at the end of each section.
Contents
Introduction to Rural Living and Buying Your Property (4.6mb)
Including moving out of the city, living in the region & planning and managing your rural property.
Including water, soil, native plants and animals, cultural heritage, fire, weeds & pest animals.
Including waste management, effluent management, chemicals, wood smoke and heating, stock, fences, farm safety, safety on rural roads, rates, absentee landholders, developing your property & improving your skills.
Including: what is the Central West CMA Catchment Action Plan, what is a Local Environmental Plan, what is a Development Control Plan, guide to native plants found in the central west, plants for your property, plants for effluent management areas, weeds of national significance, local references & local contacts.
Download the full document (Large document - 32mb)
The Rural Living Handbook is available at your local Central West CMA office, Council or Library.
