I AM writing in relation to a matter which went before Nambucca Shire Council’s meeting, October 12, relating to horticulture, which could have profound impacts.
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I am concerned because some councillors have voted for a motion that will require stakeholders to submit development applications to carry out growing fruit and vegetables.
I am concerned for the grandmothers, grandfathers, and pensioners that have a vegetable garden in the Nambucca Shire who wish to earn a few dollars and may have to pay a fee.
It appears that those councillors who supported the motion acted like ostriches with their heads in the sand. They should hang their heads.
Historically, the Nambucca Shire area was built on agricultural pursuits involving cedar getting; corn growing for the horses in the cities; dairy farming, pig farming and banana growing.
Australia was built on the sheep’s back – the Nambucca Shire was built on the back of agriculture and horticulture.
I recognise the wheel turns and nothing stays the same forever, but I am not sure if some of the councillors are aware that towns like those in the Nambucca Shire need growth to survive into the future.
Also, some councillors may not be aware of how difficult it is to run a farming business. Extra or unwanted cost pressures are a barnacle on the backside of progress.
I wonder how many councillors are aware that agricultural and horticultural practices have changed, where you can use biological controls to wipe out pests; where industries work together to develop improved pesticides which do not necessarily involve chemicals along with improved methods of application; where fertilisers are odourless and spraying is not permitted by the EPA once the leaves are rustled with wind?
It may be that future farmers will be driven out of the shire due to what appears to be ill conceived council regulations.
John Moore
Thumb Creek