Our farmers need Federal funding commitment now to resolve Irrigation Scheme uncertainty

SPONSORED CONTENT

Tasmanian farms and processors are the engine room of our State – they provide the food to nourish us, the fibres to clothe and house us and the wine and spirits to celebrate with.

I recently attended Old Mates Day, along with more than a hundred farmers from the region, enjoying lunch, drinks, and great conversation.

Farmers are carrying a lot on their shoulders right now, with the dry seasonal conditions being challenging as well as commodity 
prices being lower and expenses being high.

The day was another great opportunity for farmers to tell me about some of their concerns for the industry.

One of their biggest being the uncertainty around the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme. Farmers in the region feel 
betrayed by the Federal Labor Government for failing to fulfill their commitment to fund the scheme.

The Scheme has the capacity to deliver over 37,000 ML of irrigation water in what’s traditionally been one of the driest areas of the State and trigger approximately $120 million of on-farm investment as well as a $98.7 million boost in the State’s farmgate value.

Farmers told me they were confident and invested heavily in their farm operations in anticipation of this project going ahead, but were blindsided when there was no funding in the Federal Budget.

I will keep lobbying new Federal Labor Agriculture Minister, and fellow Tasmanian, Julie Collins to immediately back the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme with a funding commitment, as well as regarding a range of other priority policy areas we need her to deliver on for the State.

The agricultural sector is an enormously important part of our Liberal Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, which is why I will keep backing and working with our farmers in the best interests of the sector across our State.

Authorised by J. Howlett, 32 Cole St, Sorell TAS 7172