Farmers in the Harcourt region hope any residential or urban growth doesn't encroach on agricultural land.
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Tellurian Fruit Gardens owner Ant Wilson said considering local food and agriculture systems was an important part of the Mount Alexander Shire Council's Plan Harcourt project.
Plan Harcourt will help establish the planning processes that will help shape the town into the future.
"Harcourt has been identified as one of the Mount Alexander Shire's areas with the best soil. It would be a shame to see that lost to housing," Mr Wilson said.
"(Local farmers) are really concerned about having a plan to build food sovereignty, which is basically localised food and agriculture systems.
"If new housing comes within a buffer that encroaches on farming land, it has impact on amount farming can happen close to town."
After consultation with the Harcourt community regarding the town's future, the council will create a draft plan for the Plan Harcourt initiative focusing on five key themes that emerged during consultation with the Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Mount Alexander Shire said the community wanted a defined town centre, management of growth and development in a village setting, a town based on apple growing and vineyards, open spaces and native trees, and access to transport as its main themes for Plan Harcourt.
Mr Wilson moved to Harcourt 18 months ago to focus on his agricultural business.
He is part of the Harcourt Organic Farming Co-operative.
"I haven't been here long enough to comment on (residential) growth. I'm not against it but (it can't happen) at the expense of (the town's) ability to provide food.
"Farming opportunity brought me here. I grow organic apples, pears and stonefruit that are sold direct to the community through farmers markets."
Mr Wilson said he had been impressed at council's efforts to consult with the community.
"They're doing a good job of trying to listen to everyone. It's a tough job," he said.
Plan Harcourt will include a Township Framework Plan and a Place Activation Plan, and is expected to come back to the community for further feedback around mid-year.
It will include an updated framework based on the five key themes identified by the community.
For more information visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/PlanHarcourt
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