Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff was urged today to work harder to get proposed irrigation schemes in Tasmania fully funded by the Federal Government.
“Mr Rockliff should be putting more pressure on his Liberal colleagues in Canberra to make up the $50 million funding shortfall for the schemes,” Mr Llewellyn said.
Mr Rockliff told Budget Estimates hearings today that ‘substantial’ schemes would be built but could not guarantee the funding will be enough to complete all the schemes to the size and scale planned.
“The shortfall in funding could compromise the ability of the five schemes planned for tranche two to reach their full capacity.
“The proposed $46 million Scottsdale scheme for example could see a further 50,000 dairy cows in the region and a new processing facility, but now may not reach its potential.
“It is important the Federal Government delivers the $130 million Tasmanian Irrigation said was needed to ensure all of these schemes are completed in full.
“Mr Rockliff needs to go back to Canberra and secure this funding to provide farmers with the confidence they need to invest in the schemes.
David Llewellyn MP Shadow Minister for Primary Industries
