A new online farm planning tool, myFarmPlanner, developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD), has been recognized as a finalist in the prestigious Planning Institute of Australia NSW (PIA NSW) annual industry awards. This digital pre-lodgement tool aims to aid dairy, horticulture, poultry, and agritourism development in New South Wales.
The announcement comes as part of broader efforts by the NSW Government to enhance the state’s agriculture sector, which is valued at approximately $20 billion. The tool is designed to increase productivity by enabling farmers to utilize modern technology for informed decision-making.
Recognizing Innovation in Agriculture
The myFarmPlanner platform is a significant advancement in simplifying the development application process for farmers. Traditionally, gathering the necessary information for a development application could take up to 12 months, often leading to confusion and delays, especially following extreme weather events such as floods or bushfires. By utilizing a tailored questionnaire and an interactive map, farmers can now complete the pre-lodgement process in as little as 15 minutes.
Wendy Goodburn, Agricultural Landuse Planning Officer at NSW DPIRD, expressed pride in the nomination. “We’re proud to see that myFarmPlanner has been named as a finalist in this year’s PIA NSW awards,” she stated. Her colleague, Adrian Barr, Manager of Digital Transformation, highlighted the platform’s user-centric design. “We’ve made it simple for farmers to understand what is possible on their land, saving them months of confusion and thousands in consultant fees,” he noted.
The tool not only streamlines the application process but also assists farmers financially. By entering their farm data directly, producers can potentially save up to $2,000 in consultant fees per application.
Acknowledging Collaborative Efforts
The recognition of myFarmPlanner at the PIA NSW awards underscores the importance of teamwork and innovation in developing effective digital services. Alex Russell, Director of Intensive Livestock Industries at NSW DPIRD, congratulated the team for their accomplishments. “The news that myFarmPlanner is a finalist in the PIA NSW awards is recognition of how teamwork, innovation, and a clear focus on customer needs can deliver effective digital services to benefit the primary producers of NSW,” he remarked.
The initiative was jointly funded by both the Australian and NSW governments through the Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program (SFIRP), reflecting a commitment to support the agricultural sector in facing challenges posed by climate change and other factors.
The winners of the PIA NSW awards will be announced at a ceremony in Sydney on November 19, 2025, highlighting the contributions of innovative tools like myFarmPlanner in advancing the agricultural landscape in New South Wales.
