Page’s ‘Right to Farm Bill’ stymied by Labor
A move by Shadow Minister for North Coast and Ballina MP Don Page to bring forward the debate on his ‘Right to Farm’ Bill has been voted down by Labor, once again showing what Mr Page says is Labor’s disdain for country issues.
Mr Page said Labor voted against bringing forward debate despite the urgency of dealing with the ever-increasing conflict between legitimate farmers and people who move in next door and complain and in some instances seek to close down legitimate farming operations.
Mr Page said he introduced the Protection of Agricultural Production (Right to Farm) Bill 2005 more than a year ago and had wanted to put the Bill on top of the agenda for debate in Parliament tomorrow.
“The NSW Carr-Iemma Government voted against expediting debate on the Bill because they don’t care about anything that affects people who live outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong,” Mr Page said.
He said the need to tackle the encroachment of urban development into prime farming land was being exacerbated by the seachange and treechange phenomenon in coastal areas and regional centres.
“The legislation would mean people who buy land next to land zoned for farming purposes would do so with their eyes open,” Mr Page said.
“It is proposed rural land use notices be issued with the Section 149 Certificate when a person buys land adjoining farming land.
“If a dispute subsequently occurs, a court must take into account the fact that a purchaser knew the neighbouring land was zoned to permit legal agricultural activities.
“Once again a constructive initiative from the Liberal/Nationals Coalition to bring forward debate on this important issue has been voted down by Labor on party lines regardless of the merits of the legislation.”
