Greens MP pushes for regulation of blueberry farms in NSW's mid-north coast region amid growing environmental concerns. The move comes as the industry continues its rapid expansion beyond Coffs Harbour, where it began several decades ago.
Cate Faehrmann, a Greens member of the New South Wales legislative council, is set to introduce a private member's bill aimed at giving councils more power to regulate blueberry and other berry farms. The proposal aims to address environmental impacts caused by intensive farming practices.
Critics argue that current planning laws have allowed the industry to expand without adequate oversight or regulation, leading to concerns about water quality, pesticide use, and property values.
Residents in areas such as Scotts Head and Nambucca Valley are worried about the proximity of new blueberry farms to waterways and national parks. They fear that spray drift could contaminate creeks, posing a risk to aquatic life and local residents' health.
Local photographers and residents have expressed concerns about the devaluation of land caused by blueberry farming, as well as the impact on traditional farming families. Zahn Pithers, a local photographer, described the situation as "devastating" and noted that people are losing their homes due to the expansion of blueberry farms.
Faehrmann's bill seeks to mandate buffers between intensive horticulture farms and homes and waterways, as well as stricter controls on spraying, runoff, and irrigation. The proposal also aims to increase monitoring of produce for pesticides.
In contrast, the state Labor government is considering an inquiry into alleged worker abuse in the region. Many states regulate labor hire companies, which act as intermediaries between farmers and seasonal workers, but NSW does not have such regulations.
The chief executive of Berries Australia, Rachel Mackenzie, has stated that the proposal for development approvals was not supported by the planning department or state government, validating the industry's position.
Faehrmann called on Labor to address the problems caused by previous National party influence on policy. She argued that there is a "deliberate massive carve-out" for the berry industry from planning laws, which is "unfathomable".
Cate Faehrmann, a Greens member of the New South Wales legislative council, is set to introduce a private member's bill aimed at giving councils more power to regulate blueberry and other berry farms. The proposal aims to address environmental impacts caused by intensive farming practices.
Critics argue that current planning laws have allowed the industry to expand without adequate oversight or regulation, leading to concerns about water quality, pesticide use, and property values.
Residents in areas such as Scotts Head and Nambucca Valley are worried about the proximity of new blueberry farms to waterways and national parks. They fear that spray drift could contaminate creeks, posing a risk to aquatic life and local residents' health.
Local photographers and residents have expressed concerns about the devaluation of land caused by blueberry farming, as well as the impact on traditional farming families. Zahn Pithers, a local photographer, described the situation as "devastating" and noted that people are losing their homes due to the expansion of blueberry farms.
Faehrmann's bill seeks to mandate buffers between intensive horticulture farms and homes and waterways, as well as stricter controls on spraying, runoff, and irrigation. The proposal also aims to increase monitoring of produce for pesticides.
In contrast, the state Labor government is considering an inquiry into alleged worker abuse in the region. Many states regulate labor hire companies, which act as intermediaries between farmers and seasonal workers, but NSW does not have such regulations.
The chief executive of Berries Australia, Rachel Mackenzie, has stated that the proposal for development approvals was not supported by the planning department or state government, validating the industry's position.
Faehrmann called on Labor to address the problems caused by previous National party influence on policy. She argued that there is a "deliberate massive carve-out" for the berry industry from planning laws, which is "unfathomable".
THEY HAVE TO DEAL WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS LIKE WATER POLLUTION AND PESTICIDE USE AND IT'S JUST NOT FAIR. I MEAN I GET THAT GROWING INDUSTRY IS IMPORTANT BUT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE'RE NOT SACRIFICING OUR ENVIRONMENT FOR THE SAKE OF PRODUCTION. CATE FAEHRMANN IS RIGHT ON TOP OF THIS AND I HOPE HER BILL GETS PASSED SO WE CAN GET SOME REGULATIONS IN PLACE. IT'S TIME FOR NSW TO TAKE ACTION ON THIS! 
they're expanding like crazy and nobody's stopping them! It's all about profit over people, I reckon. The Greens MP, Cate Faehrmann, is trying to do something about it, but it feels like a drop in the ocean 
. What's really needed is some solid regulation on these farms, you know? We need buffers between homes and waterways, stricter controls on spraying and runoff... it's basic common sense 
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. I mean, they're losing their homes because of blueberry farms expanding at an alarming rate. It's devastating 
. We need to think about the bigger picture here and not just let the industry push through with whatever it wants 
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while ignoring the environmental concerns is just infuriating 
. We can't keep going on like this and losing control of our environment 
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. It's not just about environmental concerns, it's also about people losing their homes and traditional way of life. I've seen pics from Zahn Pithers that show how devastating this is for locals... 
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I'm so over these blueberry farms in NSW mid-north coast region 
they're expanding left and right without anyone checking if it's sustainable or not 
Faehrmann's proposal for regulation sounds like a great idea to me 
, we need stricter controls on water usage, pesticide use, and spray drift 
and I'm all for increased monitoring of produce for pesticides 
Plus, it's only fair that Labor addresses the alleged worker abuse in the region 
We need some common sense when it comes to development approvals 
Berries Australia thinks they're above the law? 
Newsflash: we can't just ignore environmental concerns because a few big corporations are making bank 
. As someone who cares about the environment and wants to protect our natural resources, I'm all for stricter regulations on blueberry farms in NSW. It's crazy that residents are worried about water quality and pesticide use – it just doesn't seem right to me 
. It's interesting that Berries Australia isn't supporting the proposed development approvals – maybe it's time for the industry to take responsibility for its own impact? 
. The Greens MP is trying to do something about it by introducing a bill that would regulate these farms better, but I'm not sure if the state government will listen 
gotta stay vigilant, you know? 
. I mean, who needs pesticides and water pollution in their backyard? 
The fact that Berries Australia is not even supporting this proposal is like, totally crazy 
. We need more regulation, not less