PROTECTING the future productivity of farming land by keeping it out of reach of mining companies needed to be the first priority of the state government, say anxious Tamworth district farmers.
Their concerns, similar to those which have been expressed by other primary producers across the Liverpool Plains and the Narrabri and Moree areas, were voiced at a meeting at Loomberah on Thursday night. It was standing room only as the farmers, their families, and other concerned citizens came together to join the escalating number of communities concerned about their future and wellbeing.
This time the sticking point is not coal or coal seam gas, but gold exploration.
Mining company Gold of Ophir has applications for licences between Piallamore, Nundle and Loomberah covering an area of about 1880 square kilometres. n from page 1
Nearly 250 people packed the Loomberah Hall for the information night on Thursday, where guest speaker NSW Farmers’ Association president Fiona Simson, spoke about farmers’ rights throughout the exploration process.
NSW Farmers’ regional services manager Darren Greentree said people at the meeting were impressed with Mrs Simson’s depth of knowledge.
“I think most people were very thankful that the meeting was held, to give them the heads-up on what might happen,” Mr Greentree said.
Third-generation farmer and meeting organiser Kevin Tongue said while the meeting’s purpose wasn’t to protest or rally, it sent a clear message to the government that agricultural land and water needed to be protected.
Mr Tongue has two sons and seven grandchildren who are interested in farming and said he’s building a future for them.
Like him, others want the long-term viability of agricultural production recognised and protected.
“From what I can gather most people were against the mining, but it was for information only,” Mr Tongue said.
“There’s no point saying we don’t want the mine because there was no representation from the company or the government department.”
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson was the only state government representative at the meeting.
An outcome of the meeting was the formation of a committee which would help farmers, providing a uniform approach towards mining in the area.
“We had about 10 people from different areas willing to form a committee and proceed with this further,” Mr Tongue said. “We’ll look at whether we should approach some other areas which are in the same boat and sit down together to work out what to do.”
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