Well perhaps it can, and in a first for our region the NSW Government has released a draft plan covering the entire Hunter Valley.

According to the plan the government recognizes the importance of mining, viticulture, the thoroughbred industry, tourism and oysters to be the economic drivers for our region now and into the future.

The plan also wants to protect our water sources and the environment – making it sound like a ‘motherhood statement’ offering something for everyone.

At least it talks about identifying where the coal resources are and where the agricultural industries are, and working with industry to develop land use planning considerations for specific industries including the equine industry.

It goes onto to state that under the plan a uniform methodology for identifying and mapping land important for agriculture within the region and planning for the future needs of industries by identifying land and infrastructure requirements.

Mapping these areas has been the subject of much consternation by viticulturists and the thoroughbred breeders, who have been calling for exclusion zones to protect their operations from open cut mining.

Planning Minister Rob Stokes said the draft Hunter Regional Plan was the NSW Government’s vision for the region, which is Australia’s largest regional economy, over the next two decades.

“The Hunter’s economy is already bigger than the economies of Tasmania, the Northern Territory or the ACT,” Mr Stokes said.

 “This draft plan, the first of its type ever created for the Hunter region, will help produce more jobs and cement the Hunter’s position as a driving force in the nation’s economy.”

 Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen welcomed the release of the draft plan. 

“I’m pleased the NSW Government is delivering a plan for a stronger economy and more jobs, which also bolsters environmental and community assets in the region,” Mr Johnsen said.

 Recognising changes in global demand for our resources specially coal the plan states that over coming decades it is important the Hunter maximises its economic competitiveness by becoming more innovative and resilient.

The state government wants to work with councils, communities and industries to identify suitable different uses for land over time to maximise benefits for present and future generations

To minimise land conflicts councils will be supported to avoid new homes on agricultural and resource areas and the government will work with councils and industry to implement the Integrated Mining Policy, including finalising economic assessment guidelines

The draft plan is on exhibition until 28 February and the public is invited to provide feedback.

The draft plan can be viewed at: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/hunter