Should planning controls be changed to allow additional forms of rural tourism? That's the burning question Lismore City Council is asking residents, particularly those living in rural areas.

Council has received numerous enquiries from landowners in recent years about developing facilities for weddings, day spas, yoga retreats, micro-breweries and other similar activities in our rural areas, all of which are currently prohibited for areas zoned for Primary Production (RU1).

Before any changes to planning controls are considered, Council wishes to hear the community’s views on:

• What, if any, activities should be permitted with Council consent?
• Where should they be allowed or excluded?

Council also wants to hear ideas on tourism and related activities in our rural areas and suggestions on the types of controls Council could implement to manage these opportunities.

Council’s Strategic Planning Coordinator Paula Newman said “it’s important that before we look to change any planning controls, we understand how the community feels about rural tourism and the ways in which people may want to see this industry grow".

“Rural tourism has the potential to provide significant economic benefits to our community, but it can also create traffic and noise issues, and have impacts on agricultural land and our natural environment," she said.

"It is important that we consider the future character of our rural areas and understand how our community feels about increasing tourism opportunities so we can manage any changes to reflect the wishes of our community.”

The rural tourism survey is open until 16 November and can be accessed via Council’s Your Say Lismore online community engagement hub at http://wwwyoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au