Development applications for on-farm diversification into tourism, will no longer be needed under the NSW Governments recently introduced agritourism policy. 

This fast tracking through red tape is good news according to Luke Farr, proprietor of Muddy Waters Campground near Walgett. 

"We have been running our campground for about five years now," Mr Farr said. "Our biggest hurdle in getting going was the development application process and getting support from local government." 



Mr Farr and his family chose to diversify their 150 acre farm into a tourism venture rather than intensive agriculture.

Situated on the banks of the Barwon River, the picturesque area is a hit with anglers and campers, despite being "between destinations". 

"Currently we have no amenities as that was too costly, but there are plenty of campsites. Once we had the development application done, we obviously needed our insurance to be adequate," Mr Farr said. "There were also regulations we had to abide by such as the maximum amount of people per acre allowed to camp." 

The agritourism policy covers businesses such as farm experiences, cellar doors, cafes, retreats, roadside stalls, fruit picking and hosting small weddings. 

It is hoped the changes will support sustainable tourism giving people more reasons to visit regional and rural NSW. 

“Our primary producers have battled through floods, bushfires, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to make it easier for them to not only recover, but also to thrive," Dugald Saunders, Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW said. 

“This policy will support and expand the booming agriculture industry. Landowners wanting to diversify their income will be able to start an agritourism business without lodging a development application, as long as conditions are met.” 

Mr Farr said he hopes the new policy will help others diversify into tourism opportunities as he and his family have done at Muddy Waters. 

"We plan to introduce campsite amenities in the future and also provide some cultural information on the area. I really hope local government will recognise the benefit of tourism operators and the money they bring into local areas," he said.