THOUSANDS of people are expected to rally outside Parliament House in Sydney on Tuesday to demand the NSW government delivers on its promise to protect land and water resources in NSW and restore balance to land-use planning across the state.
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Architects of the rally, NSW Farmers, announced that another six community groups had joined the Protect our Land and Water protest, taking the total number of supporter groups to 16.
The new groups include Stop CSG Illawarra, Sydney Food Fairness Alliance, the Youth Food Movement, Save Our Water Catchment Areas, Upper Hunter Water Keepers Alliance and SOS Liverpool Plains.
These groups join a long list of existing supporters including Caroona Coal Action Group, Country Women's Association NSW, the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association, the Lock the Gate Alliance, GetUp!, Rivers SOS, Stop CSG Sydney and the Australian Student Environment Network.
NSW Farmers president Fiona Simson said that before the election the Liberal and National Party Coalition promised a strong and clear land use plan to restore balance and certainty; to protect our land and water resources and to identify areas where mining can and can't occur.
"The NSW government's draft policy has pulled up short on delivery," Ms Simson said.
"Communities everywhere understand this issue is too important to let the government back away from its commitment.
"They won't let that happen.
"After decades of mismanagement and lack of strategic planning, the government has made some important steps forward - but has not gone far enough.
"Together government, industry and the community must strike the right balance and take the necessary steps to protect our land and water.
"The final Strategic Regional Land Use Policy will possibly be one of the most important planning policies in NSW history.
"We must get it right."
NSW Farmers and supporters want the government to deliver a genuine plan for all NSW communities that protects land, water and environment and delivers investment certainty for rural businesses.
"We urge all concerned NSW citizens to lodge a submission with the government on the draft land use policy before the consultation period closes on May 3,"?Ms Simson said.
Visit www.nswfarmers.org.au/ ourlandourwater for further information about the rally.
