Land Use Planning

1. Overview

Strategic land use planning is the process of planning for the future development of the Snowy Monaro.  

Council identifies and assesses future land uses to meet growth and demand for housing, jobs and services.

We need to balance competing needs for expansion of urban land and services:

  • protecting the environment
  • considering recreational and community needs
  • promoting sustainable business and employment.

Strategic land use planning operates within a wider state and regional planning framework.

Local planning is informed by and must be consistent with the state planning objectives.

2. Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020

Council’s first Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS)(PDF, 9MB) was adopted on 21 May 2020. It sets out our 20-year vision for land use in the Snowy Monaro.

The LSPS is designed to act as an overarching strategic planning document that will link the South East and Tablelands Regional Plan to local planning documents such as the Local Planning Strategies, Local Environmental Plans and Development Controls Plans. This is an opportunity to set a vision and direction for the next 20 years. This will also be an opportunity for Council and the community to identify priorities for the region. This vision and priorities will feedback to the NSW Government to inform their decision-making processes for the region.

The Local Strategic Planning Statement identifies a vision for the next 20 year and 12 core planning priorities for the region to achieve the vision. 

3. Future Planning

Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct (SAP)

The Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct is a partnership between the Department of Planning, Industry & Environment (DPIE) and the Department of Regional NSW to develop a 40-year master plan for the Snowy Mountains Precinct. Snowy Monaro Regional Council, along with the community are a significant stakeholder in the development of this plan. 

The purpose of the master plan is to expand the precinct from a one season visitor economy to a year-round destination, that will increase investment and jobs in the area.

It also aims to leverage the region’s natural beauty and unique climate to improve tourism opportunities, as well as the infrastructure and services needed to meet the growing needs of permanent residents, seasonal workers and temporary visitors.

On 1 July 2022, the Master Plan was finalised, outlining a 40-year strategic plan for the Precinct.

Further information, including the relevant instruments, technical studies, factsheets and the Masterplan itself can be found on the NSW Planning Portal. 

4. Plans & Strategies

Michelago Master Plan

Snowy Monaro Regional Council adopted the final version of the Michelago Master Plan at its ordinary meeting on Thursday 21 October 2021. This is the culmination of several rounds of community consultation across 2020 and 2021, creating a shared vision for the future of Michelago and influencing land use planning outcomes.

A copy of the final adopted Michelago Masterplan can be viewed via the link below.

Final Michelago Mater Plan(PDF, 5MB)

Appendix A – Final Consultation Outcomes Report(PDF, 527KB)

Draft Settlements Strategy

The Snowy Monaro Settlements Strategy (the document) is a key outcome of the Snowy Monaro Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS). The document seeks to provide a strategic land use planning framework for all towns and villages across the Snowy Monaro. The document integrates with the broader regional and statewide planning policy. This strategy is consistent and gives effect to the South East and Tablelands Regional Plan and Snowy Monaro LSPS.

The document seeks to outline a planning framework moving forward, such as appropriate controls required as part of a Local Environmental Plan or Development Control Plan. These controls include but are not limited to recommendations regarding land zonings, minimum lot size, height of building, floor space ratio and heritage protection. These recommendations are proposed to inform a new planning framework for the Snowy Monaro Region, including a new Snowy Monaro Local Environmental Plan and new Snowy Monaro Development Control.

The document seeks to outline a planning framework moving forward, such as appropriate controls required as part of a Local Environmental Plan or Development Control Plan. These controls include but are not limited to recommendations regarding land zonings, minimum lot size, height of building, floor space ratio and heritage protection. These recommendations are proposed to inform a new planning framework for the Snowy Monaro Region, including a new Snowy Monaro Local Environmental Plan and new Snowy Monaro Development Control.

Submissions closed on Monday 1 February 2021. Our team is currently reviewing feedback and making amendments to the Draft Settlements Strategy where necessary. It is expected that the Draft Settlements Strategy will be re-exhibited in 2022.

For further information on the Draft Settlements Strategy, visit Council’s Your Say page

Draft Rural Land Use Strategy

Snowy Monaro Regional Council has prepared the Rural Land Use Strategy to guide rural land use planning over the next 20 years. The Strategy will guide and inform the preparation of a consolidated Local Environmental Plan (LEP) for the amalgamated local government areas of Bombala, Cooma-Monaro and Snowy River.

The Rural Land Use Strategy provides a framework to guide growth and development within the rural lands of the Snowy Monaro Region to ensure the Snowy Monaro’s economy and environment are protected. The Strategy responds to the diversity in rural landscapes and established rural industries within the LGA, including agriculture, forestry and tourism. The Strategy works to balance the interests of agriculture and tourism, ensuring that both can operate without significant impacts on the other as well as elevate the significant environmental values that exist within the region.

Submissions closed on Monday 1 February 2021. Our team is currently reviewing feedback and making amendments to the Draft Rural Land Use Strategy where necessary. It is expected that the Draft Rural Land Use Strategy will be re-exhibited in 2022.

For further information on the Draft Rural Land Use Strategy, visit Council’s Your Say page  

Floodplain Risk Management Plans and Studies

All Floodplain Risk Management Plans and Studies can be found in Floodplain Management