Victorian Farmers Federation urges new leaders to protect crucial farmland from development

Victorian farmers' chief urges Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition leader Jess Wilson to sign new farmland protection petition amid concerns over Melbourne-centric politics.

Victoria’s major party leaders need to re-engage with rural issues, particularly agriculture, Brett Hosking says, following a tumultuous week in Spring St.

The Victorian Farmers Federation president has launched a new petition focused on the protection of arable land and he urged Premier Jacinta Allan and new Opposition leader Jess Wilson to be the first signatories.

VFF President Brett Hosking Photo: ZOE PHILLIPS

Mr Hosking also encouraged Ms Allan and Ms Wilson to hold a leaders’ debate in regional Victoria ahead of next November’s state election.

Ms Wilson replaced erstwhile Liberal chief Brad Battin as opposition leader this week, in part due to Mr Battin’s narrow focus on crime policy.

“Crime in Melbourne has really dominated the headlines in recent months. Yes, it’s important, but there’s more to Victoria than just Melbourne’s problems,” Mr Hosking said.

“I don’t think it’s intentional by either side, but they need to remember the economic contribution that agriculture makes to Victoria is massive.

“A TV debate between the leaders in regional Victoria would be a good idea — the next state election shouldn’t be a Melbourne-only election, the campaigns on both sides really need to re-engage with rural and regional Victoria and better invest in the regions.”

ABC presenter Ian Henderson to determine the first speaker between Premier Steve Bracks and Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu ahead of the 2006 state election debate.

Launching the ‘Help Victorian Farmland’ petition this week, Mr Hosking said the initiative was part of a broader campaign to push back against hurried residential development and ill-conceived mining encroachment of arable land.

“Whether it be urban sprawl or mining or transmission lines, the importance of farmland is being increasingly forgotten by governments,” Mr Hosking said.

“When planning decisions are being made, they’re looked through the lens of not just land that’s a blank canvass but fertile farmland that’s important to Australians from all walks of life. So this petition is an opportunity for their opinions to be counted.”