The Canberra Liberals have declared their support for rural leaseholders located in the Majura Valley in their long-running battle to secure 25-year rural lease renewals.

Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Business Minister Leanne Castley, and Shadow Planning Minister Peter Cain, have criticised the ACT Labor-Greens government for their poor treatment of the farmers and called on the urgent renewal of the relevant rural leases.

“Rural leaseholders in the ACT have been disrespected by Labor and the Greens at every possible opportunity and real people are being affected by the inaction and radio silence of the ACT Labor-Greens government and Federal Labor government,” Ms Castley said.

“One farmer is facing imminent foreclosure unless the Planning Minister upholds his predecessor’s promise to offer 25-year leases with no withdrawal provision.

“The Canberra Liberals understand that the Majura Valley farms contribute considerable benefits to the ACT’s economy and ecology through agriculture, agri-tourism and land management.

“This government continues to refuse to respond to the Majura Valley farmers who have made repeated requests for clarification.

“Andrew Barr and Senator Gallagher should hang their heads in shame over their continued abandonment of these farmers,” Ms Castley concluded.

Mr Cain reiterated that urgent action is required to protect rural Territorians and the importance of open rural green space for Canberra’s Bush Capital.

“The new Planning Minister needs to do the right thing here and take immediate action in engaging with his Federal Labor counterparts,” Mr Cain said.

“The Majura Valley farms contribute greatly to the Bush Capital character of Canberra and provide a valuable rural buffer to our urban areas, but they will need certainty to continue.

“Since 2005 the ACT Labor-Greens government has left these rural leaseholders in the lurch with the possibility of removal from their homes with just 90 days’ notice.

“If even one farmer experiences foreclosure due to the uncertainty created by this situation, it will represent a significant failure of public administration from ACT Labor at both the Territory and Federal levels.

“Labor and the Greens are not being fair to the leaseholders of Majura Valley by keeping them in perpetual limbo and unfortunately time is running out for some,” Mr Cain concluded.