During their October meeting Tenterfield Shire councillors discussed a proposal that would see Tenterfield considered for trial growing of cannabis for medicinal and fibre use.

A decision to support the concept was almost unanimously welcomed by the voting councillors.

But, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall is looking to beat them to the punch and has tabled a proposal to the NSW Government in the hope of seeing Glen Innes considered.

Mr Marshall said he had put a proposal to Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair to utilise the Department of Primary Industries Glen Innes Research Station to conduct cultivation, which could begin within the next 12 months, depending on the outcome of several clinical trials currently underway.

Last month the Federal Government made a decision to permit the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal or scientific purposes in NSW

“Following this decision, the state government is now scouting for potential sites across the state that could be suitable for the cultivation of cannabis for future trials, research and potentially distribution,” Mr Marshall said.

“This has the potential to open up a whole new industry for Glen Innes and our region.”

Mr Marshall said the Glen Innes Research Station, which he toured with Minister Blair recently, was an ideal location for cultivation and further research.

“Any cultivation and further research would need to be properly regulated and the site secured – the research station is owned and operated by the NSW Government, can be easily secured and has much of the infrastructure required for cultivation and trials already onsite,” he said.

Tamworth could also stand in the way of both Tenterfield and Glen Innes after NSW Premier Mike Baird signalled his support for the country music capital to become ground zero for cannabis cultivation.

Mr Baird was in Tamworth over the weekend to meet with long-time medicinal cannabis supporter Ms Haslam, whose son Dan used cannabis while battling terminal cancer.

Ms Haslam said Mr Baird wanted to make Tamworth the centre of supply for medicinal cannabis.

“This is something we have fought for,” she said.

“There will probably be other sites, but the premier is very keen for Tamworth to be the major site – that’s the ultimate plan.”