The Tasmanian Liberal Government is a strong supporter of the State’s primary producers, processors and farming sector.
In the past 10 days particularly, we have stood alongside our producers as they begin the long road to recovery from the flood events in the North and North-West.
From losing paddocks of topsoil and crops, to needing new fences, pumps and pump sheds, to dumping milk. The economic cost, but also the emotional toll, of these weather events will be felt for years to come.
It’s important our farmers know we stand with them.
We have worked with the Federal Government to ensure assistance is available and have announced grants of up to $25,000 will be available from this week to support Tasmanian small businesses and primary producers with flood clean-up and restoration activities.
This Government will always ensure the views of our agriculture community are being heard and that landowners are being treated fairly, especially when it comes to projects such as Marinus Link and the North-West Transmission Developments.
These once in a century upgrades to the electricity transmission network are needed to support Tasmania’s Renewable Energy Target to double its clean energy production by 2040 and become a world-leading renewable energy provider.
The infrastructure will help ensure an affordable energy future for our State and put downward pressure on power prices.
Marinus Link and the North-West Transmission Development will also create 1400 direct and indirect jobs at peak of construction in Tasmania and drive $1.4 billion in economy activity in the State.
While our farmers and primary producers are supportive of increased renewable energy capacity, I am also aware of some issues raised around these projects.
I am advised TasNetworks is working with individual landowners to mitigate impacts, and that where any impacts are unable to be mitigated, landowners will be fairly compensated.
Be assured I will be closely monitoring these negotiations.
Compensation frameworks need to be fair, equitable and contemporary.
Our Government is focussed on strengthening Tasmania’s future.
More Media Releases from Jo Palmer
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water