Cr Col Price said it was critical there was strong support from across all parts of the community to show support for the facility, which the State Government in last week’s mini-budget, said it would close.

“This isn’t just a farmers’ meeting; this decision affects the whole town and district - the research station belongs to the whole community,” he said.

“We’re certainly hoping for a good crowd. It’s critical people attend; it’s no good thinking someone else will be there, people need to commit to come, and bring their neighbours.”

He said form letters would be available for people to take and send off to various politicians, and a petition will also be launched by Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay. Mr Torbay has urged a cross-section of the community to attend.

“This is an issue that affects all sectors of the community, not just farmers” Mr Torbay said.

“The Ag Station is a vital resource for the region and we need as many people as possible to attend the meeting. Research at the station is cutting edge. It employs 16 local people and in my view should be expanded, not axed. Quite clearly the government decision makers did not take into account the breadth of data on soil carbon levels which has been collected since 1934. This should continue along with other environmental research conducted at the Station as a vital contribution to climate change science,” Mr Torbay said.

Cr Price said he expected that representatives from the NSW Farmers Association, and the NSW Grasslands Association would also address the rally.

“I imagine there will be plenty of people to speak from the floor - not just to vent their anger, but to offer positive solutions,” Cr Price said.

Meanwhile community protests against the closure of the DPI’s Jindabyne Trout Hatchery in southern NSW, including a public rally last Sunday led by the local MP, the Labor Member for Monaro Steve Whan, have gained the ear of the minister.

The Examiner understands that Mr Whan, along with the president of the NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers, has been granted a meeting with Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald tomorrow morning to discuss the facility’s future.

The Glen Innes rally starts at 1.30pm.