The fight over farmer’s property rights has just begun.
The Canberra rally, organised by the NSW Farmers Association, saw over 4000 farmers and their families travel to the nation’s capital.
Southern NSW was well represented with several buses conveying farmers from all districts to voice their concerns over the continuing erosion of their property rights.
Many people believe the erosion of property rights is going to have an effect on every farmer in Australia in the next decade and the issue of property rights is just the start of further restrictions on their farming practices.
Farmers are extremely frustrated that despite providing food and fibre for society they are not entitled to compensation for the restrictions and economic impact placed on their right to farm by State and Federal Governments.
NSW law restricts a farmer from improving their land if that involves removing native vegetation.
“The Productivity Commission estimates that the cost in lost production caused by bans placed on farmers developing their own land is $600 million annually.
“The policy makers must understand that farming land is the actual means of production for a farmer,” said Charles Armstrong, President of the NSW Farmers Association.
Many farmers believe that the erosion of property rights is the first step to further restrictions including the metering of stock and domestic water.
Sam Archer from Wallaby Creek Pastoral Co at Gundagai believes farmers are about to face a major challenge to their way of life.
According to Mr Archer, farmers will lose their individual farming rights not only in native vegetation but also water and carbon in the next 10 years.
Under the current legislation farmers will not be compensated for a loss in production from productive farming land.
Mr Archer believes that all stock and domestic water will be metered, placing restrictions on water use and irrigation water will be allocated to the environment first.
This will lower farm productivity leading to less financial security and a lowering in the value of farming assets.
“It’ll only be a matter of time before we’re charged and then restricted.
“And after 2014, irrigation water in every catchment will be given to the environment first,” Mr Archer said.
Many farmers acknowledge the environmental aims of the legislation and are not opposed to preserving natural resources and the environment.
The 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 for recognition of the impacts these laws have on farmers, and proper just terms compensation when these impacts are negative to productivity.
“We will continue to fight for restoration of the ability of farmers to sustainably manage and develop their properties to ensure that farming continues to be a vital part of Australian society and our economy,” said Mr Armstrong.
The Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Food Security, Fisheries and Forestry John Cobb says Federal Minister for Agriculture Tony Burke continues to let the rural community down after he refused to address the protest rally.
Mr Cobb said the Coalition would be instigating a wide ranging Senate inquiry into Property Rights.
He also believes the next great property rights battle will be based around water.
“This rally is about farmers getting a fair go and our food producers need someone who will stand up for them in the Rudd Cabinet.
“The rally was a perfect opportunity for the Minister to speak to explain his Governments position on the important issue of property rights,” Mr Cobb said.
Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and Nationals Senate Leader Barnaby Joyce did address the rally.
Farmers were impressed by the support shown by the Coalition and dismayed at Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke’s absence.
As one farmer put it - it is going to be a long process but the rally was step one.
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