Farmers could soon save thousands of dollars and shave months off development approvals under a new NSW Government platform designed to streamline planning for key on-farm infrastructure.
Launched this week, myFarmPlanner allows farmers to prepare and lodge development applications in as little as 15 minutes through an online questionnaire and interactive map.
The system consolidates information from local councils, consenting authorities and industry regulators, giving applicants a clear view of licences, permits, and planning constraints such as flood zones or bushfire areas.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the tool would help strengthen the state’s $20 billion agriculture sector by cutting red tape and providing location-specific guidance at the click of a button.
“Farmers across NSW are increasingly using online tools to save money and boost productivity,” Ms Moriarty said.
“This new tool is the latest in the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure farmers have the latest technologies to help producers make practical, cost effective on farm decisions.
“myFarmPlanner addresses critical barriers to agricultural resilience by simplifying the development application process and providing immediate, location-specific guidance on planning requirements, reducing the need for expensive consultants and enabling faster recovery decisions.”
Until now, gathering all the information required for a development application could take up to 12 months, particularly in the aftermath of floods, bushfires or storms.
By contrast, the government estimates the platform’s self-service capabilities could save farmers up to $2,000 in consultant fees per application.
The tool expands on a 2021 beta version targeted at the poultry industry and now includes dairy, horticulture and agritourism.
Future updates will bring in more sectors and integrate with the state’s Planning Portal.
Local producers have already welcomed the move.
Woodview dairy farmer Terry Toohey said it would give land-locked operators more clarity about their options.
“myFarmPlanner will be a very useful tool for the dairy industry as a lot of farmers are land locked, and this will be further intensified by building barns and feedpads etc,” he said.
“The tool will enable farmers to look at their expansion options on their farm and whether the land can accommodate their expansion plans.”
