Historic trifecta for the Hunter Valley

As trifectas go, it does not get much bigger than the three announcements made in Scone during May.

Together, they recognise the Thoroughbred Industry as a major economic driver and cultural component of the Upper Hunter Valley region.

They also demonstrate how much our industry, and the wider community, can achieve when we are well-organised, united and able to present a rational case to government.

First up was Ian Macdonald, NSW Regional Development Minister, who announced the government’s $2 million commitment to upgrade Scone’s airport. That will support economic growth by attracting more people to visit, live, work and invest in our region, across a range of industries and activities, including thoroughbred breeding and racing, tourism and mining.

Then the Scone Racing Club and the NSW Racing Minister, Kevin Greene announced that, beginning in 2011, Scone has been granted a stand-alone Saturday, making the two-day Scone racing carnival Australia’s richest meeting outside of the metropolitan areas.

Arrowfield is one of 12 studs that have committed more than $1.5 million over the next three years to sponsor this very important racing event. We look forward to working with the Club to ensure its outstanding success.

Finally, at Arrowfield on Friday morning 15 May, came NSW Premier Kristina Keneally‘s simple statement, “I can tell you that the Bickham Coal Mine will not proceed.” I was delighted that many of the people who have worked hardest and longest to achieve that outcome were present to hear those words, which were greeted with joy, relief and even a few tears.

The project was stopped due to risks of water contamination and drainage, particularly on the Pages River, and the incompatibility of land use.

The case prepared by the Thoroughbred Industry was a strong one, based on our activity’s value to the nation and its sustainability, and the Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) process proved to be robust. The PAC report concluded that the Bickham mine is simply not compatible with the Hunter Valley’s unique rural characteristics, including the horse-breeding industry.

In addition, the NSW Government will immediately amend the Mining State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) to prohibit open-cut mining on the Bickham site permanently.

It should be emphasised that the case presented by the thoroughbred industry to the PAC was not anti-mining, but in favour of diverse and compatible land uses. The Commission’s report has given us the certainty that our multi-billion-dollar industry can thrive and prosper, alongside other important industries in the Hunter Valley.

I am proud that Thoroughbred Breeders, represented at national, state and regional levels, played a key role in these particular campaigns – which are not the last we may need to undertake together.