A public meeting at Bundarra next Tuesday will discuss the next course of action in the district’s battle to get Exceptional Circumstances.

The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams who submitted the original application for EC late last year will attend the meeting, and invitations have been extended to Premier Kristina Keneally, Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan, Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke and the President of NSW Farmers Association Charles Armstrong.

Senator Williams said he is pleased to see the farming communities around Bundarra and Barraba are not giving up, even though their spirits were shattered last week when the National Rural Advisory Council recommended EC not be given to them.

“I am still at a loss as to how NRAC could come up with that decision. In December last year the New South Wales Government supported the application based on climate data that showed a significant area around Bundarra experienced the rare event.

The application area was identified in consultation with the relevant Livestock Health and Pest Authorities and Industry and Investment staff and this took into account the need for a recovery period.

The scattered rain received around Christmas gave only temporary respite for some, but the area in general has quickly slipped back to where it was in spring and summer.

I have written to the Premier Keneally and Minister Whan asking that they make representations to the Federal Minister Tony Burke to seek a review of the NRAC decision.

We will also discuss at next Tuesday’s public meeting what else can be done”, Senator Williams said.

The meeting commences at 10am at the Bundarra School of Arts Hall.