Boosting regional economies through Agritourism

The Queensland Government is committed to supporting agritourism ventures across Queensland as part of broader reforms to unlock regional tourism and support farm-based enterprise as part of Destination 2045.

Agritourism provides farmers with opportunities to diversify income streams and improve on-farm profitability. It also fosters community identity, promotes sustainable environmental practices, builds greater appreciation and engagement in agricultural practices, and strengthens regional economies.

Guidance for Local Government

The Queensland Government has developed the Supporting agritourism through Local Government planning schemes, Guidance for local government ( 1.2 MB) to encourage local governments to support agritourism ventures through targeted local planning scheme provisions. This could include encouraging uses such as farm stays, cellar doors, food experiences and other hands-on agricultural experiences that connect visitors with Queensland’s farming communities.

The guidance includes practical advice on:

• defining agritourism-related uses more clearly
• streamlining assessment for low-impact ventures
• integrating agritourism into strategic frameworks

The guidance also showcases local governments that are already taking the initiative to support agritourism like Lockyer Valley Regional Council.

The Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning’s regional offices can provide local governments with further assistance about the plan-making process and any materials needed.

Local governments seeking to amend planning schemes to facilitate agritourism into their planning schemes are encouraged to use the streamlined amendment process under section 18 of the Planning Act 2016.

Guidance

• Supporting agritourism through Local Government planning schemes, Guidance for local government ( 1.2 MB)

Further information

• Destination 2045