Ben Lomond grazier Martin McCosker said about 5000 farmers attended the rally with a great deal of support shown by radio talk show host Alan Jones who was the MC, and several politician speakers including opposition leader Tony Abbott, Nationals Senate leader Barnaby Joyce and Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries.

Mr McCosker said hunger strike farmer and instigator of the rally Peter Spencer’s words were those of nearly all rural Australians on the way the government has handled environmental policies.

“The laws are stealing our rights and diminishing our capacity to make a return out of the land,” Mr McCosker said.

“Something has to be done. We have made a very good start, but it has to be followed through.”

The rally, backed by the NSW Farmers Association, protested against native vegetation laws introduced in the 1990s to stop land clearing. The farmers claim the laws have hindered their ability to control weeds and pests on their land and utilise areas for crops and livestock.

Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said he was prepared to discuss the issue of property rights but would not be involved with the rally as he did not support a campaign based on self-harm, which was already an issue in rural areas.

A second rally is currently being planned in Sydney at the end of the month.