"Things are tough at the moment on the land. We all have debts us farmers and if you can cut 200 acres off and sell it, you can cut off the debts. When we see what the public wants we can sit down and talk about it."

Greens councillor Chris McKenzie-McHarg is also concerned about the potential devaluing of land west of the town. He believes most broad acre farmers don't want to subdivide their land but should be given the personal choice to do so if their circumstances change.

Councillor David Needham said the issue is a divisive, complex and emotive one. "What we have at the moment comes from multiple jurisdictions...people's livelihoods are woven into the fabric of the existing lot sizes and zonings and once you start cutting into them you start cutting into people's lives.

"I feel the status quo will have to remain because it will be the only acceptable option."

Michael McManus is concerned about protecting agricultural productivity and viability in the Local Government Area.

"Anyone who wants to continue to farm will not be affected by the policy change. I'm more interested in protecting agricultural land for those who want to continue to farm, as they have for hundreds of years."

Deputy mayor Judith Williams is in favour of varying minimum lot sizes. She would like to see the land preserved for future generations and believes the draft study has projection and a way forward.

"If we subdivide all of the land into small blocks, what happens to broad acre farming? The future needs to feed itself. I need to hear more from people who are wise and understand their land and their lifestyle."

While he admits neither option is ideal, Councillor Geoff Frost would prefer to maintain the status quo.

"At the moment we have a choice to leave it as is or to adopt an option that could spell very, very bad news for the Shire and the people in it. Maybe we can come up with a better option? I urge landholders to suggest other options."

Councillor Bill Luchetti told the Tribune that he needs further time to analyse the detail in the study but at this stage, agrees with the consultants' recommendations.

"I agree with the consultants and council staff but admit I still have some work to do on the study and would like to be up-to-date with the detail before submissions come in."

Councillor Allan McGrath has a preference for larger rural blocks but believes landholders are entitled to a range of choices.

"The options are too restricted. It is important to maintain as much flexibility as possible but at the same time people need guidelines. I've got an open mind at this stage and hope to be assisted by submissions from landholders."

The draft Non-urban Lands Study is on public exhibition from June 29 to August 21 and is available for download from council's website www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au. All rural landholders affected by the proposed changes are urged to make submissions in writing.