Thoroughbred Breeders Release 10 Point Plan of Action to Restore Balance, Certainty and Sustainability to the Hunter Valley

The Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley today released a Ten Point Plan of Action to end the land use conflict and restore balance to the Hunter Valley.

The Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley call for a moratorium on all new exploration and mining decisions in the Hunter Valley pending an independent, comprehensive environmental and socio-economic assessment of the cumulative impact of mining on both the area and the thoroughbred industry. The Plan calls for a ban on all future mining in the Hunter Valley where such activities threaten thoroughbred breeding operations.

Speaking at a media conference at Randwick Racecourse, the Thoroughbred Breeders of the Hunter Valley said it was time NSW’s thoroughbred industry was recognised as an Industry of State Significance. They also called for the appointment of a dedicated Agriculture Minister, the establishment of an Independent Sustainable Agriculture Agency, an Independent Planning Commission and laws that respect and recognise landholder property rights.

"We are not against mining," Mr John Messara AM, Chairman of the Arrowfield Group said. "But we can’t stand by and watch a 150-year-old industry that contributes so much to NSW and Australia be decimated."

"We want to see an end to the sterilisation of productive agricultural land in the Hunter Valley. The release of our 10 Point Plan of Action enables us to clearly put our aims before the Government, the Opposition and the public."

"Our campaign is based on restoring balance, certainty and sustainability to the Hunter Valley. A sustainable future for the Hunter Valley needs to balance the interests of all stakeholders and value the contribution thoroughbred breeding makes to our society."

The NSW Minister for Planning announced in July that the Government would develop a strategic plan for coal mining in NSW by the end of 2010.

"Neither the terms of reference nor an issues paper has been released for the strategic plan. The Hunter Valley community has not yet been consulted. Community engagement is obviously critical to any meaningful review," Mr Wayne Bedggood, President of the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association said.

Mr Peter Orton, General Manager Vinery Stud said "The Premier, Kristina Keneally, has stated that her government 'will not jeopardise the growth' of our important export industry and George Souris, the Shadow Minister for Hospitality and Tourism, Racing and Major Events, has said that the 'cumulative impact of dust fall out alone has reached a point where it may dictate the need for a pause on mining'."

"We believe that both the Government and the Opposition need to back those statements with decisive action that will protect our significant agricultural activities and halt new mining and exploration until a comprehensive, independent review is completed." Mr Orton, said.

The Ten Point Plan of Action is backed by a large number of significant breeding and racing figures and organisations, including the Australian Racing Board, Racing NSW and Racing Victoria, major race clubs throughout NSW and Victoria, leading thoroughbred studs and breeding organisations.

Mr Henry Plumptre, Managing Director, Darley Australia said: "Increasing levels of mining exploration and activity are threatening the viability of our industry, the health and future of our employees, our livestock, our communities and our environment.

"We are seriously concerned about the increasing encroachment of coal mining and the cumulative impact it will have on our environment and the health of our people and livestock."

Mr Arthur Mitchell, Principal of Yarraman Park, said both government and industry had a responsibility to secure a sustainable future and to protect the environment for future generations.

"This means finding a responsible and sustainable balance between the ever increasing and competing demands for our lands and our natural resources," he said.

Premium thoroughbred horses have been bred in the Hunter Valley for the more than 150 years. The area is recognised as one of three Centres of Thoroughbred Breeding Excellence in the world, alongside Kentucky in the US and Newmarket in the UK.

"The Hunter Valley has the second largest concentration of thoroughbred studs in the world – second only to Kentucky – and is the largest producer and exporter of Australian thoroughbreds. The industry adds more than $5 billion to the national economy and is a significant regional, state and national employer" said Mr Tom Magnier, Racing and Business Manager, Coolmore Australia.

The Ten Point Plan is available here

Media Contacts: Hellen Georgopoulos 0419 850 224 or Sam North 0407 941 447