TFGA says good Budget for farmers

Tasmanian farmers today gave the thumbs up to allocations to agriculture in Treasurer Peter Gutwein’s first Budget brought down today.

“We will give credit where it is due. The government has delivered on their promises; and those promises largely coincided with what we have been seeking, and seeking in some cases for many years,” Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) chief executive Jan Davis said today.

She said farmers welcomed Budget allocations to skills training and maximising opportunities from infrastructure improvements such as irrigation.

Other relevant initiatives include:
. $1.5 million Water for Profit program
. $885,000 to improve agricultural skills and farm safety practices
. $600,000 to support programs on King Island.
. $450,000 to assist in re-establishment of the private forestry sector
. $752,000 to investigate the potential of biomass as a fuel and energy source.

“Perhaps the most significant allocation is also one of the smallest to our sector: $250,000 to develop a farmer loans scheme.

“This is something we have been pressing Tasmanian governments to do for years. In effect it is the first step towards a HECS-style loan system that will help farmers overcome the time lapse between starting a new venture, such as planting out an orchard, and getting the first returns. That can quite reasonably be a matter of many years.” A HECS approach means that you pay out the loan when the revenue starts to flow from the venture,” Ms Davis said.

Ms Davis said the TFGA also welcomed the five-year $30 million commitment to the second tranche of irritation schemes, destined for Scottsdale, the Southern Highlands, Circular Head, Evandale and the Swan Valley.

“Now the federal government needs to deliver its $110 million from the Australian government. Farmers and private investors will front up with their share of $50 million,” Ms Davis said.

“Once again the government has highlighted the importance of agriculture to the Tasmanian economy. It is ever reliable.” Ms Davis said.

“We will be working to reinforce that position in discussions with the government in developing and implementing supportive policies after the Budget process is complete.”
TFGA Chief Executive Jan Davis