Statements
Farmers welcome dam approval changes
Tasmanian farmers today welcomed the State Government’s streamlining of the dam approval process, saying it had long been a source of frustration and delay.
The Government today tabled legislation that, among other things, abolishes the Assessment Committee for Dam Construction (ACDC) and gives the Minister for Primary Industries and Water or his delegate the power to make all decisions on dam applications.
“Dams and water infrastructure are vitally important to an efficient farming operation.” Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Peter Skillern said today.
“The approval process that went through the ACDC was slow and cumbersome. This new simplified process will speed things along.”
Mr Skillern said that while the change represented a cut in red tape and was speedier and more economical for farmers, people should realise that the same environmental guidelines for dams would apply.
TFGA chief executive Peter Skillern