ANDREW NIKOLIC: LABOR CAN’T BE RELIED UPON ANYWHERE

Federal Liberal candidate for Bass Andrew Nikolic says the North East is being let down by Geoff Lyons.

A meeting he had today in Scottsdale about irrigation and agriculture shows the current Member for Bass is already in retirement mode.

“It appears Mr Lyons was disengaged and uniformed” Mr Nikolic said.

“When asked about Labor’s priorities in relation to irrigation, he said he thinks Infrastructure Australia is looking at the issue and it’s only now that he would look at it for himself.

“What this says to me is Labor and Geoff Lyons are out of touch with the priorities for Northern Tasmania.”

Mr Nikolic said that the Liberal plan for the region is clear.

“The Liberals have consulted with the community and are acutely aware of rural Tasmania’s needs,” he said.

“We want to adopt irrigation proposals outlined by Tasmanian Irrigation, including consideration of projects that deliver the most economic return to Tasmania.

“Our working group has consulted with business leaders, investors, community leaders, academics, local government and the community.”
*see policy position below

“It’s time for change – Geoff Lyons is part of a government that is simply not working for Tasmania.”

*The Coalition seeks industry, community and interested party comment on:

4a. The adoption of irrigation proposals outlined by Tasmanian Irrigation, including consideration of projects that deliver the most economic return to the Tasmanian economy.

4b. Options for the building of new dams in Tasmania, including consideration of potential locations and the impact on local communities, the environment and the broader economy.

4c. Other options for increasing Tasmania’s agricultural output, to make the most of the state’s tremendous potential for high quality, high value food production.

4. Tasmania’s agricultural and irrigation potential

Agriculture has regrettably often been overlooked in Tasmania’s future growth prospects.

Tasmania has abundant rainfall.

Bringing that water resource to the more fertile agricultural lands has seen growth in production which can be enhanced even further. The Meander Valley Irrigation Scheme, for example, will increase the gross value of production in that valley by $27.3 million per year, which is a 23 per cent increase in output compared to before the scheme was developed.

Proposals for irrigation works that would support jobs growth, investment and the further development of Tasmania’s agricultural sector have been developed by Tasmanian Irrigation. These include proposals around the Blythe River, Circular Head, Southern Highlands and Scottsdale that could develop and enhance Tasmania’s agricultural industries over the next one hundred years.

The Coalition believes that the need for dams for both agricultural and tourism purposes is now well and truly understood. There is the potential to dramatically expand agriculture and dairy production in Tasmania by developing new dams, without compromising the State’s outstanding natural heritage.
Federal Liberal candidate for Bass Andrew Nikolic