Romsey residents are urging protection of valuable rich farming soils as they brace for town growth.
Where and how the town develops is a crucial part of Macedon Ranges Council’s current work developing a Romsey Structure Plan. However, early options to develop east-south, and north-west, have drawn questions.
A 1994 Land Capability Study for the Shire of Romsey highlights rich volcanic soils to the north, east and west of the township.
Romsey resident Sue Kirkegard is calling for a settlement boundary option that seeks to extend the town boundary to the south only.
“We’re talking about soil that is absolutely top quality and probably equal to some of the best in Australia,” she said.
“The richness of the soil is something that we need to protect for future generations. We need it.”
Ms Kirkgard recognised the pressures for growth and felt the south of the town was the best option.
“It’s still possible to cater for new housing without destroying agricultural opportunities,” she said.
The subject attracted interest at a public meeting in Romsey last week where residents raised concerns about future town planning.
Romsey resident Neil Barker said pushing agriculture into areas with less productive soil was “the wrong thing to do”.
“If there is development in the north that means pressure on the area even further north to be gobbled by hobby farms,” he said.
“That land is some of the best in country and it would be an incredible shame to see all of that land carved up into five-acre or two-acre blocks – whatever it is. I think we should protect it while we have the chance.
“Pushing agriculture further out into the badlands means the ability to sustain our population with land to produce and feed us is getting more and more difficult.”
Submissions to the first stage of Macedon Ranges Romsey Structure Plan process can be made until April 1.
