Elected last month the association’s first ever female president said she was determined to bring the concerns of farmers across the central west to the government.

Ms Simson said topping the list of concerns for farmers was the proposed carbon tax, land use, food security along with research and development.

She said many farmers are concerned about land use for mining and coal seam gas exploration.

The lack of data surrounding the effects on ground water and aquifers in the gas seam industry also has the association concerned according to Ms Simson.

“We need to establish whether there is a risk before establishing the industry ... some of the problems that can be caused to an aquifer are so wide ranging,” Ms Simson said.

“Not all aquifers are connected ... we need a good sound understanding of the impacts of this industry.”

She said the proposed carbon tax by the federal government will create expenses farmers will not be able to pass on.

Crop loss due to fruit bats was a big problem across the area last year according to Ms Simson with orchard netting a big concern.

She said the the association will lobby the state government for dollar-for-dollar grants for netting that they have provided for other areas of the state.

The sustainability of regional and rural Australia is vital for everyone to ensure a variety of industries according to Ms Simson.

Currently on a tour of the central west, Ms Simson will also visit Canowindra, Oberon, Bathurst and Blayney with the aim of re-connecting the association with its members.

“The people had lost their connection, we’ve had 10 years with drought and what we need now is to re-establish that power again,” Ms Simson said.

“To ensure our longevity we need to bring the farmers back and we need to show that as an association we’re capable of doing something difficult and have the capacity to do it.”

nadine.morton@ruralpress.com