Hunter Valley thoroughbred breeders hope their presence at a major Sydney rally against expanding mining projects on prime farming land sends a strong message to the NSW Government.
Up to 8000 people marched on NSW Parliament on Tuesday calling for the government to protect high-value land and water resources in the Hunter Valley, home to the second largest thoroughbred breeding industry in the world.
In March, the NSW Government released its draft regional land use policy which recognised the value of Hunter Valley farming areas but didn’t rule out new major mining and exploration projects in the region.
Members of the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association (HTBA) joined the NSW Farmers’ Association and more than 20 other community groups at the rally to voice their concerns to the government.
“The 8000 strong rally today highlighted the depth of feeling throughout our rural and city communities for the protection of our vital water and land resources and important rural industries,” HTBA vice president Andrew Wiles said.
The HTBA previously stated that its decision to attend the rally was not taken lightly and stressed it was not an anti-mining protest but a peaceful community action.
At the rally, NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner vowed that no proposed mining or gas extraction project would go ahead under the government’s watch if it was likely to harm these prime agricultural areas.
“We also congratulate the Deputy Premier who had the courage of his convictions to address the rally,” Wiles said.
“We expect the government to deliver on this promise.”
