Land use planning & development

Land use planning and primary industries

Land use planning impacts on all aspects of primary industries: resource access, location, efficiency, long-term security and profitability. This section explores the relationship between land use planning and primary industries, and outlines the role of the department in this area. Find out more ...

Agriculture

Agriculture is a diverse and important sector of the state's economy that includes the production, processing and marketing of food, fibre and ornamental products. This section assists proponents and local councils plan for sustainable agricultural development and includes policies and guidelines. Find out more ...

Mineral resources

A diverse range of mineral commodities are produced in NSW including coal, metals, gas, industrial minerals and construction materials. Decisions regarding the zoning and development of land have the potential to impact upon mineral resources by restricting or prohibiting access for exploration and mining. Find out more ...

State forests

Planted and native forests are a significant economic, recreational and cultural resource for the people of New South Wales. This section contains Forests NSW management plans, our good neighbour policy, and guidelines for plantation establishment regulations in NSW. Find out more ...

Private forestry

'Private  forestry' refers to the practice of growing trees or managing native forests on private land. It includes farm forestry, plantation forestry and private native forestry. Plantation forestry is regulated by the Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 and a Code which sets clear guidelines for plantation establishment, management and harvesting. Find out more ...

Aquatic habitat protection

Industry & Investment NSW is responsible for implementing the Fisheries Management Act 1994. We are involved in conserving and rehabilitating fish habitats and populations, and have a specific responsibility for conserving threatened species and promoting ecologically sustainable development. Find out more ...


Aquaculture

Industry & Investment NSW aims to promote a viable and environmentally sustainable aquaculture industry. Policies have been developed in relation to site selection, design of facilities, effluent control, translocation and culture of fish species, health management issues and general good aquaculture practice. Find out more ...

Minimising conflict

Good land use planning should aim to avoid incompatible land uses occurring in close proximity to each other, in order to reduce the potential for conflict. This section provides practical references, tools and checklists aimed at reducing and avoiding rural land use conflict. Find out more ...


Policies and guidelines

A list of all I&I NSW land use planning policies and guidelines and related information. Find out more ...


Mapping and other information

Land use planning relies heavily upon spatial data. Mapping useful to land use planning including rainfall, disease effected areas, Key Fish Habitat and aquaculture, mineral, geological and forest management are available here. Find out more ...