Farmers demand a fair go for property rights in Sydney

FARMERS brought Sydney traffic to a standstill this morning as they continued their campaign for property rights.

About 1000 farmers from across the State converged on the city in an effort to draw attention to farmers reduced property rights as a result of State and Federal legislation.

A rally was held at Hyde Park before farmers marched to State Parliament House, shouting their message that "enough is enough".

Bus loads of protesters travelled from Tenterfield, Nyngan, Mathoura and the Central West, while others made their own way to the rally.

Organisers were Bob and Jeanette Jones of Coffs Harbour

Speakers included parliamentarians Andrew Stoner [Nationals] MC was Radio 2SM Grant Goldman / NSW Farmers Assoc Vice President John Ridley /  Chris Crump / VOP’S Phil Tzavellas and Bob Spanswick /Sue Maynes [Flora] local farmers and city-supporters of the campaign.

While the focus of the rally was property rights, other issues and campaigns were also present raising awareness about the impact of changes to beef import laws, the impact of mining exploration on farming land and the affect closure of the sawmilling industry would have on the State's south-west.

Hunger-striking farmer, Peter Spencer, who helped raise prominence of the issue through a 50-plus day hunger strike, was guest speaker at the event and was welcomed with cheers of "One man can make a difference".

Mr Spencer said farmers were still seeking a Royal Commision into their rights.

He said while taking land for native vegetation may be necessary, it affected productivity and the governments should have paid for it first.  John Ridley, said there had been tens of thousands of dollars in lost production and uncertainty. "We want a fair go," he said.

"It's a poor indictment on the lawmakers that we have to lobby to make a fair living."

Chris Crump, Mathoura, is a sawmiller at Mathoura in the State's south west and said the industry would be destroyed by national park legislation.

He said the town - which had been founded by farming and milling - would be undone by the legislation.

As suburbia spreads in the Sydney Basin, land is in increasing demand and Katrina Thirupt, of Leppington, spoke of compulsory acquisitions being made in her area.

"The fair go has gone with the size of the block," she said. "This legislation needs to be repealed."

The rally put pressure on politicians in the lead-up to the election with a number of speakers, including Mr Spencer, calling on farmers to find out where candidates stand and only elect those willing to take up the fight. If the government continues to adopt policies that make farming commercially prohibitive, like what has occurred after Dairy De- regulation  there will be little or no farmers left, it would be disastrous  for Australia if we had to rely solely on imported food .

Major Political Parties are now on notice there is a swelling tide of discontent , and a challenge will be made at the next Federal and State elections in order to secure an independent voice for all farmers.