More than 110 community members gathered in Pyalong this week for a Protect Our Farms meeting, voicing deep concern over the mounting challenges facing local agriculture.
Key issues raised on the night included the Allan Labor Government’s new Emergency Services Tax and VicGrid’s sweeping forced entry powers, both of which have sparked significant opposition across regional communities.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said there was clear frustration in the room.
“Our farmers are understandably frustrated at regularly paying the price for Labor’s poor governance,” Ms Cleeland said.
“When it comes to the Emergency Services Tax, regional communities are footing the bill while getting no say, no certainty, and no guarantee that this money will flow to frontline services in their area.
“Meanwhile, property rights are eroding rapidly as forced entry powers continue to be debated, and drought conditions continue to hurt our farmers and wider agricultural industry.
“Our farmers are resilient, but they cannot keep bearing the brunt of poor decision-making.
“They deserve respect, fairness, and a real say in the policies that affect their livelihoods, their land, and their communities.”
Looking ahead, the Protect Our Farms group is working to establish a formal advocacy body to ensure farmers have a stronger, united voice in future debates about agriculture and property rights.
“Community members want to be heard. They are tired of being dictated to and are determined to stand together to protect the future of agriculture in our region,” Ms Cleeland said.
