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Comprehensive Support Package for King Island

25th May 2017

Jeremy Rockliff, Deputy Premier, Member for Braddon

The Hodgman Liberal Government is a strident supporter of the King Island community and has developed a comprehensive Budget package for the Island.

The Government and TasPorts appreciate and acknowledge the level of concern surrounding the current temporary shipping service and we are working hard with the King Island community to resolve this issue.

We remain committed to securing a long-term triangular service between Victoria, Tasmania and King Island and one of the options we are investigating is for the Government to invest in a purpose-built ship to service the freight needs of King Islanders.

Good town planning is also vital, which is why we recently awarded a $49,000 Community Infrastructure Fund grant to the Council to help develop a master plan for Currie, Naracoopa and Grassy to help guide the Island’s exciting future.

This is in addition to the existing $25,000 for the development of a deer management plan and $50,000 for a business case for a multi-species abattoir.

The 2017-18 State Budget confirms an extremely strong level of support for King Islanders by investing directly in the community, agricultural productivity and protecting the Island’s unique environment.

In recognition of Kings Island’s strong agricultural sector, through DPIPWE an additional $200,000 over four years will increase the Parks and Wildlife staff on the Island to support the management of reserves and Crown Land.

Also, an extra $650,000 package over the forward estimates secures the King Island Wallaby Officer and Biosecurity Officer roles. These vital positions are currently fixed term and by making them permanent it adds certainty for the entire farming community.

Through the Department of Education King Island children will also benefit from additional resourcing that will give them access to a school health nurse and they will also benefit from an increase in the number of professional support staff, with the focus on child and student wellbeing.

Other funding support for King Island includes:

  • $40,000 capital funding for construction of barbecue shelters at Penny's Lagoon
  • $600,000 allocated for car parking and traffic management at King Island School with works to commence later in 2017
  • $10,000 for Phoenix House to continue their important role supporting local community well-being.

The Liberal Government will continue to consult and work with the King Island community to tackle difficult issues and identify worthwhile opportunities that support and create jobs.