The digital divide, rural crime, the backpacker tax, the Murray Darling Basin plan and sheep ear tags were all discussed at the NSW Farmers’ annual general meeting last week.
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Farmers from around the state met in Sydney to discuss a myriad of issues affecting farmers and rural and regional NSW.
Newly elected treasurer, Peter Wilson said it was a successful meeting.
During the meeting the farmers decided to focus on a range of issues including the native vegetation amendments, more money into infrastructure, operational costs including the cost of ear tags.
Mr Wilson said some highlights were the farmers uniting to find a sensible definition of free range eggs, compensation for mining on farm land and working with the National Farmers’ Federation on trade agreements, reform of country origin labelling and the stance against the backpacker tax.
The farmers also united to call for more telecommunications in the bush.
Farmers want to use technology to drive farm productivity, the Chair of the Rural Affairs committee, Sonia O’Keefe said.
“Investment in rural communications infrastructure needs to keep pace,” she said.
“Digital connectivity is supposed to reduce the divide between city and country. But great investment is required in rural areas to stop the digital divide growing.”
Farmers were also informed of quad bike rebate for the implementation of safety measures to reduce quad bike tragedies on farms.
Local member Kevin Humphries said Barwon farmers, farm workers and families would benefit from the rebate.
“The $2 million Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program is a step froward in protecting people who work on farms in our region,” he said.
Digital connectivity is supposed to reduce the divide between city and country. But great investment is required in rural areas to stop the digital divide growing.
- Chair of Rural Affairs, Sonia O'Keefe