The Tasmanian Government welcomes the outcomes of today’s drought summit and the commitment made to assist farmers and drought affected regions around the country.
It is critical that governments plan for the future, given that droughts are a normal part of Australia’s landscape.
Tasmania is supportive of a new Intergovernmental Agreement on drought reform being a priority for the upcoming Council of Australian Governments (COAG). We also welcome the announcement by Prime Minister Morrison of the Future Drought Fund.
Developing water infrastructure to help farmers deal with drought and dry conditions has been a major focus with Tasmania’s irrigation investment model noted as nation-leading. Today’s summit highlighted the importance of continuing to roll out our Pipeline to Prosperity plan for further irrigation investment across the state.
While much of today’s focus has been quite rightly on the dire situation faced by farmers in NSW and Queensland, Tasmania is no stranger to drought and the East Coast is currently suffering very dry conditions.
The Tasmanian Government continues to monitor the situation on the East Coast, and we are regularly speaking with the TFGA, rural support groups and farmers.
We are conscious that the spring weather over coming weeks will be critical for many producers in the state, and we will consider additional assistance in the event that conditions deteriorate further.
Tasmanian farmers can apply now for the Federal Farm Household Allowance and farm business concessional loans. Access to these assistance programs is not dependant on a drought declaration, and is based on the Australian Government’s eligibility criteria. I would encourage farmers experiencing financial hardship because of drought conditions to apply for Federal drought assistance or contact Rural Business Tasmania for their free rural financial counselling service.
Today we have also heard about the significant emotional toll the drought is having on rural communities affected by drought. In Tasmania Rural Alive and Well are available to assist farmers seeking help.
The State Government stands ready to work with our farmers and rural communities on next steps and any assistance required.