Community’s views sought on artisan food and drink industries zones proposal

Published: 05 Aug 2021 3:54pm

Wagga Wagga City Council is seeking the community’s feedback on a proposal to include artisan food and drink industries in certain rural and commercial zones within the Local Government Area (LGA).

Artisan food and drink industries cater for boutique, craft or artisan food and drink products, which are becoming increasingly popular among consumers.

Senior Strategic Planner Crystal Atkinson said the proposed amendment to the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 would create opportunities for producers and businesses to sell local produce through retail areas, restaurants or cafes and tours.

“If approved, the changes would allow these industries in rural areas where they relate to product grown and made on the property,” Ms Atkinson said.

“In the city itself, it would apply to business zones where we already have those types of industry cafés, artisan food and drink places, such as craft breweries and microbreweries.

“It’s all about someone producing something on the land, whether that’s animals or a crop, and then manufacturing that into a product which is consumed on the premises or taken home to consume.”

The proposed amendment is expected to deliver broad social and economic benefits through supporting business development and growth, particularly small start-ups and primary producers, as well as catering for increasing community and visitor interest and demand for boutique businesses.

Ms Atkinson said it would also increase tourism opportunities for the city and its surrounds and will help put Wagga Wagga and the Riverina on the culinary map.

“We are in the food bowl of Australia and this is an opportunity to showcase the products that are being grown and manufactured in the region,” she said.

“Rather than people just getting it on their plate and not knowing where it comes from, they will instead be able to come to the region and see where the produce was grown and manufactured, and then consume it on site.

“Another aspect is ability to have educational tours or pick-your-own products, making it about the whole experience of how the product is made before it gets to you.”

The proposed amendment is currently on pubic exhibition, with submissions open until 28 August 2021.

To make a submission online, visit connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au/lep20-0008 while written submissions can be delivered to Council offices or emailed to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au