Cutting red-tape to give farmers a fair go

The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to giving Tasmanian Farmers a fair go and letting them get on with the business of farming, which grows the economy and creates jobs.

One of the many challenges holding farmers back is the significant pasture and crop losses and damage caused by near plague proportions of wildlife, specifically wallabies and possums.

Today we are cutting unnecessary red-tape which has stopped farmers from managing wallaby and possum populations sustainably.

Recent good seasons and modern farm improvements have seen their populations explode to the point where they are having devastating impacts on farm productivity and profitability.

The current dry seasonal conditions means they are now competing with sheep and cattle for pasture feed, or causing damage to valuable horticulture orchards, putting farmers’ livelihoods and the welfare of wildlife at risk.

Under a new system, we are extending crop protection permits from 12 months to five years for genuine farmers and people acting on their behalf, immediately removing an unnecessary red-tape burden and improving management.

Under the current system more than 3,000 permits have to be reissued annually, meaning farmers are tied up with endless paperwork rather than getting on with their job.

These reforms will also ensure animal populations will be sustainably managed and appropriate checks and balances retained. They will also streamline the monitoring of numbers taken, improving the current haphazard system.

Our natural advantages including rich soil, favourable climate, abundant water, enterprising farmers and premium brand have us well placed to meet our target to grow the sector tenfold to $10 billion per year by 2050, and we remain committed to reaching this target.
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water