He was speaking at a meeting protesting against a recent State Government decision to axe the century-old station.

It was one of eight across the State to get the chop in the NSW mini-budget.

More than 300 people gathered in Glen Innes Town Hall to vent their anger at the decision. The meeting was organised by Glen Innes Severn Shire Council.

Cr Thoms said the closure would have far-reaching consequences.

“Quite obviously it’s the loss of up to 16 jobs . There’s also that loss of income, the loss of input from professional people into the community and a dent in the soul of the community.

“This is a site and a locality people have treasured for a long time.”

Three resolutions were passed unanimously. NSW Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald was asked to reverse the decision, a vote of no-confidence was passed in the State Government, and Mr Macdonald was asked to come to Glen Innes to inspect the station.

Cr Thoms said he hoped the importance of the station to the Glen Innes community would have some influence with the Government.

“I am hopeful. If we believe in democracy, this is an issue where people have turned out, and it’s the heart of our rural community,” he said.

“The work that goes on here is for the higher-elevation, northern rainfall region that we are, and it’s kind of unique in that sense. That kind of research can’t be done anywhere else.”

State Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay said he had secured a meeting with the minister.

“Nothing short of a reversal of this decision is going to be satisfactory,” he said.

“I am really angry about this, not just the decision but the way people are being treated.

“If the Government want to continue to make decisions like this ... then they are more than on their way out of government.”