Imagine waking up one morning to find an industrial-scale blueberry farm sprouting up in your peaceful rural valley, transforming the landscape you once cherished. This is the reality for many residents in New South Wales’ mid-north coast, where the rapid expansion of the berry industry is sparking fierce debates over land use, environmental impact, and worker rights. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the industry booms, allegations of worker exploitation, environmental degradation, and regulatory loopholes are casting a shadow over its success. And this is the part most people miss—the battle between farmers, councils, and policymakers over who gets to decide how this expansion unfolds.
Cate Faehrmann, a Greens member of the New South Wales Legislative Council, is taking a stand. Next week, she’ll introduce a private member’s bill aimed at giving local councils more power to regulate blueberry and other berry farms. Her goal? To address the environmental and community concerns that have arisen as these farms spread across the region, often clashing with neighboring landholders. Faehrmann highlights the absurdity of the current situation: “It’s unbelievable that you can erect hectares of poles and white netting without notifying your neighbors or getting council approval, while someone building a carport needs permits,” she said. Her bill calls for mandated buffer zones between farms and homes or waterways, stricter controls on spraying and runoff, and greater monitoring of pesticide use.
But the issue doesn’t stop at environmental concerns. The state Labor government is considering an inquiry into alleged worker abuse in the region, particularly targeting labor hire companies that act as intermediaries between farmers and seasonal workers. Unlike most states, NSW does not regulate these companies, leaving workers vulnerable to underpayment, poor living conditions, and exploitation. Guardian Australia has reported on workers, often part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, who have left their employers due to alleged mistreatment. This raises a critical question: Is the berry industry’s growth coming at the expense of its workforce?
The controversy deepens when it comes to planning laws. Faehrmann argues there’s a “deliberate massive carve-out” for the berry industry, exempting it from regulations that other industries must follow. She blames previous National Party influence for these loopholes and calls on Labor to fix them. Meanwhile, local councils are struggling to enforce their own rules. Just last week, the Coffs Harbour council lost a case against two raspberry farmers who challenged a stop-work order. The court ruled that the polytunnels the farmers were constructing—metal structures up to 60 meters long—did not require development approval because they could be disassembled. This decision underscores the challenges councils face in regulating intensive horticulture.
But is self-regulation enough, or do we need stricter mandates? Rachel Mackenzie, CEO of Berries Australia, argues that additional regulations like development approvals are unnecessary and unsupported by the state government. However, residents like Zahn Pithers, a local photographer, paint a different picture. “It’s devastating when blueberry farms arrive,” he said. “They devalue the land, drive out long-time farming families, and pose environmental risks.” Pithers is particularly concerned about a large blueberry farm near Warrell Creek and South Beach National Park, questioning the impact of spray drift and runoff on local water quality. Despite his calls for investigation, the EPA has yet to provide conclusive results.
The debate isn’t just local—it’s systemic. In November 2024, the Nambucca Valley council proposed requiring blueberry farms to seek development approval, only to be rejected by the NSW planning department for lack of evidence. Now, they’re drafting a second proposal, grappling with whether to mandate buffer zones or leave it to self-regulation. State Planning Minister Paul Scully emphasizes that councils can seek changes to their Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) but warns against a one-size-fits-all approach. “Overly restrictive controls could hinder farm upgrades and deter investment,” he said. But is this a fair trade-off for environmental and community well-being?
As the berry industry continues to expand, the question remains: Who gets to shape its future—farmers, councils, or the communities it impacts? What do you think? Should regulations be tightened, or is the industry already overburdened? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs your voice.
