Farmers must not be left without the funding needed to put Australian-grown food on tables, NSW Farmers has warned as the Albanese Government delivers its latest federal budget.
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin highlighted poor infrastructure, telecommunications, and biosecurity as key challenges farmers will be left to face alone if federal support is not increased.
"Billions have been promised to fix roads and rail in the cities, but we don't know whether there will be any allocated to fix the roads, railways, and bridges that are falling apart throughout the bush," Mr Martin said.
"Meanwhile, our telecommunications are in ruin, and farmers are fighting a losing battle against a growing number of biosecurity threats.
"Promises to upgrade the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness and deliver $11 million to fight pests, weeds, and feral animals are only a drop in the ocean. We need much more funding to deliver a serious biosecurity regime that will defend our industry and assure our food security into the future."
While Mr Martin welcomed budget commitments to keep Rex Airlines operating and regional bank branches open, as well as initiatives to drive competition reform, create a National Food Security Strategy, and deliver cost-of-living relief for communities nationwide, he warned that more targeted investment in regional, remote, and rural communities would be essential.
"Investing in farming communities drives productivity and will deliver food security – and there's no better investment you can make than that," he said.
"Our government keeps talking about a future made in Australia, but how about a future grown in Australia?
"As we head to the polls, our politicians can't forget the fact that people need fresh, Aussie-grown food at fair prices. More than ever before, we need to keep our farmers farming."
© NSW FarmersFor more information:Eliza Fessey
NSW Farmers
Tel: +61 (0) 427 411 220
Email: fesseye@nswfarmers.org.au
www.nswfarmers.org.au