In a first for the NSW Farmers Goulburn Branch, members recently held our annual meeting via video and phone hook-up to comply with COVID restrictions.
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It was a new experience for many of us, but pleasingly the technology worked really well.
NSW Farmers President James Jackson presented a slideshow and lead discussion on recent issues the association has been active about, lobbying government ministers and departments to ensure the voice of agriculture and rural communities is heard.
Mr Jackson updated members on a number of issues, including the Koala State Environment Planning Policy and its potential impact on farming operations.
Mr Jackson said the NSW Government must remove agricultural land from the SEPP and partner with farmers in protecting koalas through the NSW Land Management Codes, supporting farmers to actively manage their land to minimise bushfire risk and look to schemes like the Biodiversity Conservation Trust to enhance on-farm conservation projects.
A key feature of discussion centred on the need to get more young farmers involved in the association.
This is an issue for many of our branches around the state and also for other organisations.
We are pleased to see many young people returning to the family farm business, both locally and state-wide.
They have often undertaken tertiary training and bring fresh, innovative ideas to keep food and fibre production vibrant.
Delegates for the deferred online NSW Farmers annual conference, which will be held in October, were elected at the annual meeting.
They are Stan Moore, Ron and Nerida Cullen and Geoff Henderson.
Andy Divall and myself will be alternates.
Ian McLennan and myself will continue as NSW Farmers representatives on Southern Tablelands Zone Bushfire Management Committee and Murray Gregory from Upper Lachlan Branch will take on the role of representative on South East Regional Weeds Committee.
For more information visit www.nswfarmers.org.au or contact Regional Services Manager Dave Banham on 0428411221.