Agritourism & On-farm Income Diversification

As part of the State Government’s Drought Resilience Plan, Bathurst Regional Council, Oberon Council and Lithgow City Council have engaged with regional tourism consultants, Tilma Group to better understand agritourism development and the opportunities it presents for the region and farmers. 

Agritourism is an on-farm tourism experience that connects guests to farming activities. The options within agritourism provide farmers with opportunities to generate additional income, diversify their operations, establish customer relationships, and enhance business resilience. It is a rapidly expanding sector that has widespread appeal and demand from visitors. 

Mayor Robert Taylor noted agritourism could be of great benefit to farmers across the region, with the opportunity to explore this at Bathurst’s upcoming information evening. 

“In December 2022, the NSW Government provided updated information on approval pathways for agritourism business development, which includes new definitions and fast-tracked approval pathways. We are working on making this easier for our farming community to understand, enabling them to clearly see what is permissible on their rural land zone. 

“Interested residents and members of the local farming community are invited to attend an evening where Council will launch a suite of new local guides that will assist farmers in the process of agritourism development and farm diversification. During the evening, hear from experts from Nutrien Ag Solutions, Burns Planning & Development, Kenny Spring Solicitors, Tilma Group, Destination Central West NSW, and more on the costs and benefits of tourism to determine if this is the right opportunity for you,” said Mayor Taylor. 

There are three dates available, the first of which is targeted at residents of our Bathurst Region: 
 

To register your attendance for the Bathurst session, please visit  https://bathurstliveinvest.com.au/event/how-agritourism-can-support-farm-resilience-and-diversification/ or call 02 6333 6553. 

Come along and network with local farmers and stakeholders, learn from specialists, and explore and ask questions to better understand if agritourism is the right opportunity for your farm. 

Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer  

P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: genevieve.green@bathurst.nsw.gov.au