General news
11 July, 2025
Moriarty flip after Cooke call-out!
NSW Ag Minister forced to extend deadline
HAVING played Bland Shire farmers like a classical gui-Tara for years, the NSW Agriculture Minister, Tara Moriarty, has been forced into a stunning backflip, an embarrassing admission and a Native Vegetation Code 2018 extension beyond July 4 last week via public and political pressure from Nats NSW MP Steph Cooke and our local farmers.
Moriarty, who hasn’t even visited Bland Shire, or replied to the numerous requests for consultation from the Bland Landholders Right to Farm Group, yet has time for NRLW photo ops not even in her electorate, has bowed to an overwhelming number of submissions into an extension that allows more community members an opportunity to have their say on what must surely be one of the worst pieces of legislation delivered by any government in recent memory. The beleaguered Minister and current government may not be solely responsible for this policy in their defence - that was a Coalition light bulb moment believe it or not, however, she is in a position along with NSW Premier Chris Minns, to do something about it. Two years on from Minns election, farmers are still waiting, unable to work their land and wondering why it is taking so long to ratify such nonsensical policy as they continue to be harangued by State compliance officers with legal notices for harvesting breaches despite operating the same way for decades.
After appointing Alison Stone as the “NSW Agriculture Commissioner” at the end of 2024, many thought it was the beginning of a better, more transparent and consultative approach from the ALP Minns NSW Government and the Dept of Agriculture however the unveiling of Stone in the role has since been seen for what it is - a public service announcement and a business as usual approach which has seen no change on any level.
Cooke meanwhile was elated with the news of the extension but circumspect nonetheless given the ALPs NSW (Newcastle Sydney Wollongong) approach.
“We all love a win and together we've got one - however small,” she said on her Facebook page.
“The NSW Government has conceded that the consultation process and period has been sorely lacking and we now have until to 11:59pm, Friday 1 August 2025 to put in submissions - not today as originally planned.
“As we see all too often (and increasingly so), the so-called "have your say" process so far has been abysmal - rushed, poorly advertised, and failing to properly engage with those most impacted,” Cooke said.
Cooke also paid tribute to “every single person who has shared, emailed, spoken up, and helped raise awareness”.
She added, “I urgently called for more time (and transparency) and this is a win we can be confident relates to the momentum we've built in the past few days. But like so many of the battles we are fighting in rural and regional NSW, we are not out of the woods by any stretch.”
“We now have a few extra weeks. Let's make them count. This is your chance to formally voice your concerns about changes that will directly impact how you manage your land, your farming business, your future and that of our communities.
“Now we need to make every submission count.”
People are asked to email their concerns to: consultation@lls.nsw.gov.au
Follow this link to make your submission https://www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/land-management-code-amendments#consultation-methods.
“We can’t afford to sit this one out, we need to make sure our voice is heard. I am also crafting a submission, and if there are points you believe I should be making (no matter where you live in rural NSW), please let me know. I would love to read your submissions!”
The simplest way is to email me directly:
cootamundra@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Read More: West Wyalong
