THE state's peak farming body is fuming over government plans to monetise the popular Soil Conservation Services, saying it has been kept in the dark for more than six months.
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) confirmed this week it was assessing SCS staffing levels and depots in Western NSW on the back of falling demand in the region.
NSW Farmers President Derek Schoen said major changes to services were typically aired with the lobby group, and called for information on potential SCS fee hikes, depot closures, and staff cuts to be more open.
SCS general manager David Witherdin said consultation with staff had been running since March, with a final decision in early October.
Mr Schoen said he only heard of the potential changes after The Land published a report last week.
Since then, farmers have contacted him with concerns that SCS' services would switch to private contractors.
"We expect the same in this instance, so landholders can understand the way the service is being used and the background for any decisions taken."
"When major changes have been considered in the past, we have been kept updated," Mr Schoen said.
SCS general manager David Witherdin said the process had been kept internal, out of consideration for SCS employees.
But Mr Schoen said landholders should be included in discussions over the future of the service.
"Government needs to consult properly not only with affected staff, but with landholders that stand to lose a service before they go ahead and make any cuts or close depots," Mr Schoen said.
"The work that the SCS does for landholders is invaluable.
"They understand the nuances of individual properties and they take the time to strategically plan, with the landholder, what the best works are going to be.
"Members tell me that they are very happy with SCS.
"As for potential fee increases, well, there is no point in pricing yourself out of the market is there? We are concerned about that."
Mr Witherdin said future SCS fee structures had not been discussed "on any level", but denied claims leaked to The Land by SCS employees indicating dozer hire costs would double.
He said while demand for SCS in Western NSW had diminished over time it had grown east of the dividing range, particularly around Coffs Harbour, Grafton, the Hunter, and South Coast.
He said SCS was actively recruiting for staff in the Riverina areas, and, in the event of Western depot closures, would consider relocating staff to the East Coast.
Mr Witherdin also pointed out SCS's ability to form mobile work teams to carry out projects in remote areas, as well as regions of Queensland and Victoria.
"Just because we don't have a local presence somewhere, doesn't mean we can't service it," he said.
Labor MP Peter Primrose confronted Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair in parliament last week over concerns from farmers that the service would price itself out of the market.
Mr Blair underlined his confidence in the service and said no decisions on operational matters had been reached.
"It's not appropriate at this time to be out in the public domain talking about things that could affect (employees) personally," he said.
