The Hodgman Liberal Government stands with our mainland cousins and welcomes the generosity of Tasmanians supporting drought stricken farmers in parts of NSW and QLD.
Tasmanian farmers have donated almost 450 tonnes of hay to the hay bale drive across northern Tasmania. This donation now needs to be transported to farmers facing a dire situation across Bass Strait.
Minister for Infrastructure, Jeremy Rockliff said, "To support this campaign TasPorts, in partnership with GeelongPort, are waiving all wharfage charges associated with transporting the cargo from Devonport to Geelong in Victoria."
“The Spirit of Tasmania will also transport prime movers and trailers carrying donated hay on each Devonport to Melbourne sailing over the weekend at no cost,” Mr Rockliff said.
Minister for Primary Industries, Sarah Courtney said, “The Tasmanian Government is also continuing to work closely with the TFGA, Rural Business Tasmania and rural stakeholders to monitor the situation some of our farmers are facing on the East Coast and South East as we head into the warmer months.”
We’d like to take the opportunity to thank all individuals and business providers who are helping support Australia's rural communities and Aussie farmers.