TEDxDubbo 2011: Fuel vs Food, a Personal Passion by Fiona Simpson

Fiona lives with her husband Ed on his family's mixed farming property "The Plantation" near Premer on the Liverpool Plains. With broadacre farming and commercial and stud cattle operations, Fiona is particularly responsible for the administration, marketing and risk management of the business.

Fiona holds a Bachelor Degree in Arts/Business, and has tertiary qualifications in workplace training and adult education. In July 08 she was elected as an Executive Councillor in the NSW Farmer's Association, and as a member of its Conservation and Resource Management Committee, and in August 08 was elected as a Councillor in the Liverpool Plains Shire Council.

Fiona was the inaugural secretary of the Caroona Coal Action Group until her election to Council in August 08, and through that involvement holds a position on the working group for the Namoi Catchment Water Study. She is concerned at the imbalance of legislation favouring mining over agriculture, water and food, and says that some areas simply should be "no-go" zones. She is proud of the value and sustainability of the agricultural industry on the Liverpool Plains, and believes that mining should only proceed if it places no threat to this vital food production area, or to valuable natural resources. She has grave concerns about the regulatory process concerning mining development, and believes that current processes favour mining over all else. She is adamant that farmers and landholders must know their rights when it comes to dealing with mining companies, and must educate themselves and obtain assistance where necessary to ensure a level playing field.