Alexandrina Council - spray-drift buffer policy

Like all rural councils, the encroachment of subdivisions or rural building into farming or horticultural land is an ever increasing problem.

The effects of potential spray-drift on human health, and the health of the environment is well documented. The continued encroachment requires policy strategies and biological buffers be put in place to deal with issues in order to protect various parties from exposure to legal action.

Environment Solutions was asked to assist the Council to develop a policy in relation to spray-drift buffers and the interface between development and farming activity. This was to be a working policy that planners could use as part of their assessment strategy.

What we did.

Rural Solutions SA worked with a number of organizations, community groups and sectors within council to negotiate recommendations that planners and others could use during the application processes.

These various groups included:

Issues were clarified, staff training undertaken and a review framework established.

What we achieved.

A spray-drift policy was documented for council assessors to used during application assessments. This enabled encumbrances to be added to any consent to develop to address relevant health issues.

Rural Solutions SA’ vast experience with community consultation improved the interface between urban and rural bodies within the district.

A similar project was undertaken for the Adelaide Hills Council.

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