First on the agenda was a motion seeking the support of the state body “to strongly lobby the NSW Government to broker a fairer outcome for Peel Valley Water Users” than what was contained in the Office of Water’s proposed full cost recovery water charges.

Prospective Nationals candidate for next year’s state election, NSWFA member and Tamworth regional councillor Russell Webb told The Leader the proposed charges would be devastating for farmers, industry, the community and individual ratepayers.

“Speaking as a farmer, the proposed charges will decimate the irrigation industry in the region, which will in turn have huge impacts on machinery and transport and supply industries in Tamworth and the region,” he said.

“Speaking as a councillor, the proposed charges will have an immediate and devastating impact on both TRC’s bottom line and ability to deliver services and on every single individual ratepayer.

“In the longer term, the fact that there is such a discrepancy in the price rises between regions will make TRC and the area far less competitive in growing existing businesses and attracting new businesses and employment to the region.”

Mr Webb said the NSWFA, as a state-wide body representing a high number of water users, was in a good position to lobby for a fairer and more economically sound pricing system.

“The more pressure that can be brought to bear, the better chance we have to achieve some changes to the current unfair pricing structure,” he said.

Also on the agenda was a motion proposed by branch secretary Laurie Chaffey “to strongly lobby the NSW Government to meet its obligations to replace the Somerton Bridge to the same level of service” as before the November 2008 flood.

Tamworth branch president Russell Morgan said both of these issues adversely affected local farmers and communities.

“The association is there to provide a stronger voice for farmers and communities in just these sorts of situations. We have just learned too that there is another bridge in Nambucca shire in a similar situation where the RTA is doing the exact same thing. We will be contacting our branch members there and organising co-operation and mutual support to lobby for a action on both bridges,” Mr Morgan said.