CAROONA farmers were on the spot in Sydney yesterday to receive yet another devastating blow from State Parliament, as the Shooters Party teamed with the government to defeat the Greens’ Mining Amendment Bill to safeguard agricultural land.

“It was an unfortunate outcome once again today,” Caroona Coal Action Group spokesman Tim Duddy told The Leader, referring to the close 20-19 vote.

“We are all particularly disappointed in the Shooters Party and I really don’t think they have thought through where they get access to properties for their members to shoot.

“Still, it is not over yet and once again the issue was put on public record and the government shown up for its continued support of mines over farmers.”

Joined by 200 supporters, including Gloucester farmers, NSW Farmers’ Association (NSWFA) members and Greens supporters, the group staged a peaceful rally calling on the Upper House to support the bill, which included amendments from the NSWFA.

Protesters received early good news as Duncan Gay informed them the Coalition would support the bill, while Member for Tamworth Peter Draper joined the rally, hoping for the chance to debate the bill in the Legislative Assembly.

“The long-term peaceful protests by Liverpool Plains residents to protect their prime agricultural land and valuable water resources are a credit to the many farmers who gathered today,” Mr Draper said.

“The Liverpool Plains residents have put up a great ‘David vs Goliath’ battle so far, and I can assure the government that the issue will not go away, even if they vote the bill down this time around.”

As the debate wore on, however, it became clear supporters of the bill would not quite get the numbers.

Member of the Legislative Council, Trevor Khan, told The Leader the crossbenchers had thrown their support behind the government.

“I am dissapointed that several of the crossbenchers concentrated more on the fact the Greens had introduced the bill than on the actual content and aims,” Mr Khan said.

“This should be an issue above rivalries and in its amended form, the bill was certainly meritorious.”