RALLY TOMORROW!

Just a reminder about the important rally in Sydney tomorrow being organised by the NSW Farmers Association (http://www.nswfarmers.org.au/ourlandourwater). The RSWUA will be there from 11.30 am so please join us and look for our banner on corner of Elizabeth and Martin Place.

The rally has been organised in response to the severely inadequate draft Land Use Plan that has been released by the O'Farrell Government in New South Wales.

Submissions to the Plan are due by Weds 3rd. We urge all members and supporters to make a submission. Below is info from Lock the Gate which you can use, or use the template we sent you last Monday. Remember to add a sentence about our rich basalt soils and permanent water that need to be protected for future generations. Every little bit helps!

The NSW Government has released its draft plans to deliver on its Strategic Regional Land Use Policy. This policy was an election promise during the 2011 State election. At the heart of the election policy was this statement: “The NSW Liberals and Nationals believe that agricultural land and other sensitive areas exist in NSW where mining and coal seam gas extraction should not occur”  This had led many to believe, a belief never corrected by the Government, that areas would be ruled out for mining and coal seam gas development in NSW. Sadly, this promise has not been kept. The Lock the Gate Alliance rejects the idea that the Government can protect our most important food producing and sensitive environments and the water sources that supply them without ruling out mining and coal seam gas exploration and production in these areas. These land use plans will fail to create a sustainable future for farmers and the environment. There is an urgent need for the community to reject any land use plans that don’t rule out future coal, gas and other mining in these important areas. You can help by making a submission against the plans. Making your own submission doesn't need to take long. Even a signle statement of objection is enough to force the Government to respond to your concerns. This template submission can be used to help you make your own (the best option) or can be signed directly and posted in (option 2). Or you might like to use some of these points of objection: A moratorium should be put in place on any new coal and gas exploration and development whilst the Strategic Regional Land Use Plans are fixed and then applied in other areas, and while outstanding scientific questions are assessed. A clear prohibition of all exploration, mining and petroleum production on productive agricultural land. A 'Gateway' process in these areas is not supported.  The definition of strategic agricultural land must be broadened to capture allproductive agricultural land, not just the best of the best. All mining and petroleum projects should have to undergo a full cost benefit analysis and social impact assessment prior to any approvals.  A process should be introduced to enable local communities and landholders to be able to say no to mining and petroleum exploration or production. Submissions close on 3 May. Send or email your submission to: Director, Strategic Regional Policy NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001 Email to: srlup@planning.nsw.gov.au Every submission counts so even a short email now can make a huge difference in the future.