7 November 2019

Guy Barnett, Minister for Primary Industries and Water

Welcome drought relief for Tasmanian farmers

The Hodgman majority Liberal Government welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of further relief for Tasmanian farmers affected by drought.

Today’s announcement confirms additional funding for Tasmanian drought affected Councils, plus more will now be eligible for the Roads to Recovery and Building Better Regions funding.

Broadening the Federal funding eligibility criteria, may also make other Tasmanian councils eligible for further funding.

The Roads to Recovery initiative, will support Tasmanian communities by delivering local projects and infrastructure work to keep finance flowing, tradies in work and money rolling through local stores.

The Hodgman majority Liberal Government is committed to continuing to work closely with farmers and rural communities in drought affected areas.

Having consulted and listened, the Government is delivering $400,000 in targeted drought support to complement the existing assistance programs, including;

• $150,000 to the Rural Relief Fund to assist those in hardship with direct household and farm business expenses, and expanded to include assistance with freight costs for fodder and water, utilities bills and vehicle registrations, for example.
• $20,000 for the TFGA to upgrade the Tasmanian Fodder Register to include agistment and to deliver drought community support events.
• $80,000 for Rural Alive and Well to extend outreach services to drought affected communities.
• $150,000 for the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture to assist drought affected farmers with in-drought grazing, pasture and livestock management strategies, as well as farm planning and practical tools for post-drought rebuilding of farm productivity in a changing climate.
• Targeted drought weed management support from the $5 million Tasmanian Weed Action Fund.
• DPIPWE workshops and practical support with on-farm and catchment-wide water management strategies.

Farmers experiencing financial hardship due to drought are also encouraged to apply for Federal drought assistance.

Further information on the support available for drought-affected farms and communities and how to access it is available at http://www.agriculture.gov.au/drought/ or go to FarmPoint.tas.gov.au, or the FarmPoint hotline 1300 292292 or by email: farmpoint@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

More Media Releases from Guy Barnett

More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water