NSW Farmers Legislative Agenda for the 55th Parliament

The NSW Farmers legislative agenda formed a major part of the Association's lobbying during the 2011 State election. NSW Farmers have established five broad areas which affect agricultural productivity and viability of farming families in NSW.

1. Productivity
2. Community
3. Transport and Infrastructure
4. Planning
5. Environment

NSW Legislative Priorities
NSW Farmers Growing Farming (2011 NSW State Election Priorities)

Federal Legislative Priorities
Fairness For All: Property Rights (2010 Federal Election Priorities)

• Improved investment in research, development and extension to ensure productivity increases required to secure food security
• Establishment of a branded Ministry and agency overseeing agricultural production and food security
• Protect farmers' investments through better recognition of property rights
• Improve biosecurity, pest animal and weed control

• Commit to relocation of government agencies to regional NSW communities
• Reverse rate drain on local governments
• Encourage rural business by coordinating government services, reducing red tape and offering incentives
• Maintain and improve important community services in regional communities, including specialised policing, rural support workers, mental health first aid training and air services
• Teach all children about where food comes from
• Develop a scheme to assist young farmers to get Started

• Greater funding of rural and regional roads
• Connectivity of heavy transport routes linking the producer to the processor and consumer
• Building the Bells Line Expressway and the Inland Brisbane to Melbourne Rail Link
• Remove overly burdensome RTA regulation relating to the movement of stock and equipment
• Implement the recommendations to the NSW Grain Freight Review
• Support port terminal access for agricultural produce

• Planning legislation based upon development of strategic plans for development of urban areas, mineral
  and gas resources, agriculture and other land uses
• Sustainable development of mineral and gas resources using a strategic planning framework that
  protects productive agricultural lands
• The removal of Part 3 A from planning legislation
• Require socio-economic analysis of all planning instruments, including Local Environment Plans

• Support for NSW regional communities during the Murray Darling Basin Planning process
• A flexible approach to ensuring strong production, social and environmental values in legislation
• Ensuring a sustainable balance between urban and agricultural water
• Investment in clean technology initiatives, including assisting farmers to decentralise energy generation