NSW Farmers has joined forces with community leaders, industry groups, conservationists and concerned citizens to demand the NSW government deliver on its promise to protect land and water resources in NSW and restore balance to land-use planning across this state.

The Protect our Land and Water rally will be held in Sydney on Tuesday, May 1, to object to the government’s recently released strategic regional land use policy, which fails to deliver on the Liberal and National parties’ clear election commitments.

The failings of the draft policy have struck a nerve not only in rural NSW but with business leaders, councils and in the cities and towns, with all recognising our food, water, health, jobs and the future of our communities are under threat if land and water is not properly mapped and protected.

The decision to rally has not been taken lightly.

Protecting our precious land and water is an issue which affects everyone in NSW.

The seriousness of this issue is reflected in the diverse backgrounds of those prepared to march shoulder-to-shoulder to parliament house on May 1.

In the past 10 years, we have seen an unprecedented escalation of mining and coal seam gas activity across the state.

Clearly mining and coal seam gas are important for our economy, but, without balance, diversity and a proper strategic land use plan, these short-term industries threaten the long-term sustainability of our land, water, environment and the future of other vital industries and regional communities.

Before the election, the Coalition promised a strong and clear land use plan to restore balance and certainty, to protect our land and water resources and to identify areas where mining can and can’t occur. The NSW government’s draft policy has pulled up short on delivery.

Communities everywhere understand this issue is too important to let the government back away from its commitment.

They won’t let that happen.

After decades of mismanagement and lack of strategic planning, the government has made some important steps forward – but has not gone far enough.

Together, government, industry and the community must strike the right balance and take the necessary steps to protect our land and water.

The final strategic regional land use policy will possibly be one of the most important planning policies in NSW history.

We must get it right.

NSW Farmers and supporters want the government to deliver a genuine plan for all NSW communities that protects our land, water and environment and delivers investment certainty for rural businesses.

NSW Farmers will be joined by a broad range of agricultural, environmental and concerned citizens groups at the rally, including Caroona Coal Action Group, Country Women’s Association, Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association, Lock the Gate Alliance, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Southern Highlands Coal Action Group and GetUp!

We urge all concerned NSW citizens to lodge a submission with the government on the draft land use policy prior to the consultation period, which closes on May 3.

Further information about the rally can be obtained from NSW Farmers website at www.nswfarmers.org.au/ourlandourwater or by calling 8251 1700.