GLEN INNES RALLIES TO SAVE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION
Yesterday three hundred residents of the New England area demanded that the NSW Government reverse its decision to close the Glen Innes Agricultural Research and Advisory Station.
The resolution was made at a protest meeting organized by Glen Innes Severn Council, after the closure of the agricultural station was announced last week. "This issue is at the heart of our community," said Mayor Steve Toms, when he opened the meeting.
Member for Northern Tablelands and Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, Richard Torbay, congratulated Council for organizing the meeting and the public for their show of strength. "The decision to close the Ag Station is flawed," he said. "It shows no consideration for the achievements of the facility, the people who work there and the flow on effects that the closure would have on the town of Glen Innes. The Ag Station ought to be invested in, rather than axed."
Armidale agronomist and President of the Grasslands Society of NSW, Mick Duncan, expressed his profound respect for the Ag Station when he addressed the meeting. "It has a long and proud history of research," he said. "The station is unique, and has demonstrated a capacity to respond to needs and deliver outcomes. The proposed closure is simply unacceptable."
Deputy Mayor, Colin Price, outlined what the community stood to lose if the Ag Station was closed down. "We would lose historically, socially and culturally, scientifically and environmentally. The State Government is telling us things are tough, and there's no money. However, the station was kept open throughout World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II."
A number of local residents were also given the opportunity to address the meeting in support of the Ag Station. They included Dennis Hazelwood from Dundee, and Dan McAlary from the NSW Farmers' Association.
The meeting passed three (3) resolutions. The first, moved by Cr Price and seconded by Tenterfield Mayor, Toby Smith, was to "request the Minister for Primary Industries, to reverse the decision and for the Government and Opposition to commit to and fully support the long term research and advisory roles of the Glen Innes Research and Advisory Station." The second resolution, moved by Ken Marcantelli, was "That this meeting votes ‘no confidence' in the NSW government and condemns their decision to close the [Ag Station]." The third resolution, moved by Dan McAlary, was that the Minister for Primary Industries be invited to visit the Ag Station.
Mr Torbay will take the meeting's resolutions and a petition to Parliament. The petition can be signed at any Glen Innes Severn Council public office, the Glen Innes Post Office, or any of the village post offices.
Contact details
Catherine McBride
cmcbride@gisc.nsw.gov.au
