Tasmanian producers are being hung out to dry by the Liberal Government’s failure to address problems with shipping fresh freight out of the State.
“There are growing concerns that fresh produce will be left on the wharf due to a serious lack of capacity to move the freight,” Shadow Infrastructure Minister Craig Farrell said.
“Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding is in complete denial and continues to show no urgency over the challenges facing Tasmanian exporters.
“Stakeholders from the TFGA to fresh freight exporters have all said there is a problem yet Mr Hidding still won’t even acknowledge it.
“We are in the middle of the peak season for fresh freight exporters and with tonnages increasing, the problem is only going to get worse if the Government fails to act.
“The former government was actively looking at ways to expand freight options for fresh producers but despite all his political bravado in the lead up to the election, Mr Hidding has done absolutely nothing.
“Tasmanians are sick of hearing excuses and the blame game being played by the Liberals instead of the Government taking responsibility.
“After more than nine months in office, Mr Hidding has made little more progress than Labor on establishing an international shipping service and now he is sitting on his hands over the lack of capacity for fresh freight.”
Craig Farrell MLC Shadow Infrastructure Minister
