David Bish, representing the United Workers Union, with SunRice employees Peter Daniels and Richard Fox.
Deniliquin Rice Mill maintenance worker Clint Free made a brief speech with an impassioned plea at Tuesday’s rally.
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He has been in the maintenance team at the mill since leaving Deniliquin High School 27 years ago, but does not know if he has a future there.
“Being a highly skilled tradesman, my role could be taken out of this region if water buybacks restrict what our farmers grow, because it would then limit what is processed at the mill,” Mr Free said.
There are widespread fears that the rice mill at Deniliquin could close if there are more water buybacks.
“Our maintenance team has continually been made up of locals who have lived in and bought homes in Deni and who have raised their family in Deni. Our jobs have provided the income and stability to be able to make a great life here in Deni,” Mr Free said.
“Our farmers are the heart of our town and all sorts of business and workers rely on them for related jobs in the supply chain. We need to support our communities and farmers to do what they do best, not make it harder.
“I can’t think of any other government in the world that is trying its best to ruin a world class farming and irrigation system. Rather, our community should be celebrated for the success and contribution that it makes as the food bowl of Australia.
“So my ask to government is simple today – let’s keep our farmers farming, let’s keep our workers working and let’s keep the great town of Deni thriving,” Mr Free said to rapturous applause in support of his message.
Deniliquin Rice Mill maintenance worker Clint Free at the Deniliquin rally.
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