Agricultural land use mapping

Across NSW, land is under pressure from competing uses such as housing and rural developments, industrial and energy infrastructure, mining, transport and biodiversity conservation.

There is limited information or guidance about which areas of NSW are the most inherently fertile and productive for agriculture. This makes it difficult for local government, state government and other stakeholders to consistently consider agriculture land in their decision making.

Developing an agricultural land map

The NSW Agriculture Commissioner is assisting the NSW Government to develop a system for defining, identifying and mapping agricultural land across the state.

As part of this work, the Commissioner has reviewed the draft State Significant Agricultural Land mapping prepared in 2021 and submissions received during its exhibition. The Commissioner has also held regional roundtables and met with industry, local government, farmers and government representatives to inform updated mapping.

The department, with support from the Commissioner, has started work to create agricultural land mapping for public consultation in 2026.