Call To Governments To Protect Our Industries And Our Futures

“Governments and alternative Governments today have an opportunity to stand up for Australia’s agricultural community and show their support for the people of regional Australia” Mr Tony O’Driscoll of the Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley said.

Our agricultural lands are struggling under the pressure of too many competing demands on our land, water supplies and environment.

The Hunter Valley is one example where increasing encroachment of mining operations is threatening the future viability of Australia’s premier thoroughbred breeding industry.

“The Hunter Valley is internationally recognised as Australia’s breeding capital yet negative encroachment from mining exploration is threatening our future viability and the health and welfare of our employees, livestock and region” Mr O’Driscoll said.

The sustainable use of our limited and precious resources - such as land, water supplies and air quality – calls for rational, cool headed decisions that recognise the responsibility we all have - governments, industries and communities alike - to leave a sustainable legacy for future generations.

As key managers of the land, our efforts deserve to be recognised and we deserve to have certainty so we can plan and invest in the future with confidence.

Today we call on Governments and alternative governments at the federal and state levels to provide us with the certainty we need to invest with confidence to preserve our livelihoods, jobs and the land for future generations.

The Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley are calling for a strategic holistic plan for the future of the Hunter Valley. A plan that recognises the contribution that thoroughbred breeders make to regional jobs and communities. A plan that will protect the land, environment, water supplies, jobs and the industry’s future.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our nation. Farmers, food producers and livestock breeders all make significant contributions to the everyday lives of all Australians, to our standard of living and regional, state and national economies. We deserve to have certainty so that we can plan and invest with confidence in our future ” Mr O’Driscoll said.

The Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley including Arrowfield, Coolmore, Darley, Vinery and Yarraman Park are supported by the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association Inc, NSW Breeders’ and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.

In January 2010 we launched the Protect Our Industries campaign to educate politicians and decision makers about the importance of our industry and the contribution it makes to regional, state and national economies. Information on our campaign can be found on our website www.htba.com.au/protectourindustries.

Media contact: Hellen Georgopoulos 0419 850 224