General news
6 June, 2025
We won't be silenced!
Cooke teams up with farmers to take fight to ALP Minns Govt
FROM West Wyalong to Macquarie Street. That was the trek the Bland Landholders Right to Farm Group made at the request of NSW MP for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, last week to tell their stories to those Minns ALP government Ministers who bothered to show.
And while it’s taken years to get everyone in the same room, not without trying, it was a chance for local farmers to share their stressful battles with state government bureaucracy and environmental overreach.
Cooke, a staunch advocate for the group, said in her address - “A huge thank you to the incredible farmers, landholders and supporters who travelled over 500km from West Wyalong and Tallimba to Macquarie Street Sydney, to ensure the voices of our farmers were heard loud and clear in NSW Parliament.
“Your presence made a powerful statement.”
Indeed they did. One after one they explained how generations of family businesses were being crippled and no one seemed to be listening.
Cooke added - “Together, we raised critical awareness about the challenges facing farmers due to errors in 'Pink Mapping', errors that have led to wrongful accusations of illegal land clearing, devastating fines, and land being rendered worthless without warning or proper consultation.
“This issue is not just bureaucratic red tape, it's affecting lives, livelihoods, and communities. While Local Land Services have done their part to truthfully map this land, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) continues to ignore on-the-ground facts, leaving hardworking landholders tangled in unjust regulations”.
Cooke also paid thanks to the numerous special guests for their support and presence on the day. These included members of the Country Women’s Association (CWA), reps from NSW Farmers, NSW Irrigators Council and members of the NSW Parliament who took the time to attend, listen, and engage.
“This was my first time hosting an event in NSW Parliament, and thanks to all of you, the Jubilee Room was filled with energy, determination, and purpose. We've already received positive feedback and know that real change begins with real voices being heard,” Cooke said.
“We’ve detailed what we need now. It includes - the withdrawal of all wrongful prosecutions, revisions to native vegetation mapping through ground truthing, acknowledgement that coppicing is not land clearing, the recommencement of coppicing and sustainable land management practices, the removal of the 'critically endangered' status and genuine consultation and collaboration with landholders.
“I am with you. I will continue to advocate for your right to manage your land sustainably and to ensure that common sense, science, and fairness prevail.”
Read More: West Wyalong
