The Federal Liberal Government has short changed Tasmania following a massive shortfall in what was sought to fund new irrigation projects around the State.
“Tasmanian Irrigation’s funding submission was for $110 million to help build the five irrigation projects already in the pipeline and today’s announcement falls well short,” Mr Green said.
“The Liberals have also dudded Tasmanian taxpayers by trying to count the $30 million of State funding in the overall estimate of what it will cost to development the schemes.
“Tasmania’s contribution was never part of the equation but Will Hodgman has rolled over to Tony Abbott yet again.
“Jeremy Rockliff went to Canberra himself saying $110 million was needed and that certainly didn’t include any State contribution.
“These irrigation projects are crucial to Tasmania’s future and need whole hearted support from government, not tricky political deals.
“Labor developed 10 major irrigation schemes around Tasmania over the past five years and we were always up front and transparent about how they were funded.
Mr Green said work should now begin immediately on building more irrigation schemes.
“Much of the work for the new schemes was done under the previous Labor Government and because of that they are now ready to go.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
