Regional NSW is doing it tough. Farmers and communities are battling skyrocketing fuel costs, critical fertiliser shortages, worsening dry conditions, and feral animals tearing through crops and livestock.
And where is the Minns Labor Government? Sitting on its hands, hoping the problems will eventually go away.
Rushed, unworkable firearm laws leave landholders exposed. Pigs, rabbits, deer, and feral dogs are destroying livelihoods. Fuel and fertiliser shortages are pushing farmers to breaking point. But all the Minister can seem to do is order a "review" or hold yet another "roundtable."
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Moylan, said this is a perfect storm for regional NSW, and the Minister seems more interested in photo opportunities than solving the problems facing our farmers and communities.
"Farmers can't get fuel to run machinery. Fertiliser prices are through the roof. Feral animals are multiplying unchecked. Every day the government sits on its hands, it makes a bad situation worse," Mr Moylan said.
"The NSW Agriculture Minister has been nowhere to be seen. While farmers are struggling to survive, she's M.I.A. The only thing multiplying faster than feral animals right now is government inaction."
Regional NSW needs urgent, practical support; not more reports, reviews, and roundtables. The NSW Government must act now to:
• Guarantee reliable fuel and fertiliser supply for farmers and regional communities.
• Implement proposer measures to eradicate feral animals.
• Repeal the rushed and unworkable firearm laws that were rushed through parliament on the morning of Christmas Eve last year; and,
• Implement practical measures to help farmers and regional communities in drought.
"Until the Minns Labor Government wakes up, farmers and regional communities will continue to suffer. The Minister might be hiding, but the destruction in the paddocks is very real," Mr Moylan said.
"Regional NSW is running out of patience and running out of time. We need the Minister to start doing her job, or let someone else have a go. This Minister has been nothing but a total disappointment."
