The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has called on farmers and country people to come out in force to support tomorrow's "Plug the Pipe" Rally.

VFF President Simon Ramsay said that support from rural communities would be critical to the success of the rally and its message.

"The North South pipeline is a threat to rural communities; it is a threat to our livelihoods and to the productive capacity of agriculture in this state," Mr Ramsay said.

"Farmers from across Victoria have indicated their support for the rally and have already signed up to fill hundreds of seats in utes, trucks and on busses. We are now calling on anyone who hasn't booked a seat yet to do so."  

"The VFF's position throughout this debate has always been to oppose the government's plans to build the pipe. We have questioned them at every opportunity, on consultation, on calculations and on compromise," Mr Ramsay said.

Details for the rally are as follows:

Plug the Pipe Rally

Tuesday June 2, 2008

Farmers will travel in utes, trucks and on busses from the regions before meeting city supporters on the steps of Parliament House, Spring Street for a demonstration at 12:30pm. Speakers will include VFF President, Simon Ramsay; Farmer, Eril Rathjen; Leader of the National Party, Peter Ryan; and Leader of the Liberal Party, Ted Baillieu. A free BBQ lunch will be provided to supporters by the VFF in the Treasury Gardens at 1:30pm.   

Media Contact

Brendan Rowswell, VFF Communications Advisor, 0417 165 784

For Logistical Arrangements

Ken Pattison, Plug the Pipe, 0427 534 158