Conversion of caneland to hobby farms: Is planning intervention warranted?

A survey was undertaken into the conversion of caneland to other uses to assess the relative significance of rural living development in Queensland canegrowing areas over the period 1980 to 1995. A complementary analysis was made of the subdivision pattern and controls in canegrowing areas. The amount of land conversion reported "in the sugar industry was relatively small compared to the potential for expansion of canegrowing areas, and more than half of the land cQnversion was to other productive rural uses. Overall, there has been relatively little conversion of caneland to rural living, despite the fragmentation potential provided by the subdivision pattern and controls. The combined rate of conversion to non-rural uses and rural living development was much more significant in some mill areas, with comparable amounts of each in some cases. Further research in particular areas will assess whether there is sufficient empirical evidence to warrant a politically difficult decision to introduce planning control over the allocation of rural living development opportunities. This research will provide guidance to subdivision policies for rural areas.