New book for people buying in rural areas

Published on 20 July 2021

‘Farmers Farm and Cows DO Moo’ is the name of a new booklet aimed at people who are moving into rural parts of the Byron Shire.

The booklet is designed to help people understand what life in rural areas is like especially when it comes to farming, noise and things like waste management.

Peter Boyd, Council’s Biodiversity and Agriculture Projects Officer, said it comes as surprise to people that more than 90 percent of the Byron Shire is rural land and often new residents aren’t prepared for some of the challenges that presents.

“Living in a rural area is such a joy but when people have never experienced this sort of lifestyle there can sometimes be a few problems,” Mr Boyd said.

“Some people aren’t prepared for things like noise and smells from nearby farms including cattle and machinery like tractors.

“Farming is a seven-day-a-week job so the concept of a quiet retreat is often not reality and this may create tensions and problems with new neighbours.

“For people from cities, things like waste, on-site sewerage systems, dirt roads, dust, odour, floods and fire also present unexpected challenges.

“The aim of this new booklet is to provide information to people thinking of buying in the rural areas of the Shire as well as new rural residents as it will answer some of their questions.

“It also includes a checklist of a variety of things to consider when thinking to purchase rural land,” Mr Boyd said.

‘Farmers Farm and Cows DO Moo’ can be downloaded from Council’s website or people can pick up a free copy from the Council offices at Mullumbimby.