No more – President gives voice to farmers frustration

NSW Farmers’ Association President Charles Armstrong will today tell thousands of rallying farmers that enough is enough.

Farmers from around NSW and beyond are gathering in Canberra today to protest against the continued erosion of their property rights, and call for fair and reasonable compensation when these rights are taken away.

NSW Farmers’ Association President Charles Armstrong says environmental legislation must be developed in consultation with farming organisations so it is practical and able to reflect best management practice.

“The Productivity Commission estimates that the cost in lost production caused by bans placed on farmers developing their own land is $600 million annually. These bans are only part of what we’re facing,” he said.

“The policy makers must understand that farmland is the actual means of production for a farmer, not simply the site for a house, a shop or a factory,” he said.

“All we are seeking is a fair go.

“Farmers must have the ability to manage their land. If you take away or inhibit a farmer’s ability to manage weeds, feral animals or to control fire risk, you undermine that farmer’s physical, emotional and financial security,” he said.

NSW Farmers’ Association is calling for a balanced, rational and equitable approach to policy affecting land and natural resources.

“This isn’t a complex issue – all we are asking is recognition of the impacts these laws have on farmers, and proper just terms compensation when these impacts are negative to productivity.

“Millions of Australians have taken risks with their investments to build better enterprises. They’re mortgaged those investments to expand and be more productive,” he said.

“We will continue to fight for restoration of the ability of farmers to sustainably manage and develop their properties, for market rent in return for provision of environmental services, and for other forms of just terms compensation to ensure that farming continues to be a vital part of Australian society and our economy,” Mr Armstrong concluded.