Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, Minister for State Development, Trade and the Antarctic, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Member for Braddon, 9 March 2024
Extending Drought Relief For Our Islands
Drought impacted farmers on Flinders Island will have access to relief after Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced grants will be available to support the region.
“While we no longer officially declare areas in drought, our regions are facing a serious situation,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.
“I’ve been on Flinders Island, I’ve met with local people, and I’ve heard and seen their concerns.
“It’s clear the situation on Flinders is serious and requires support.
“The Tasmanian Government will provide immediate assistance including payments of up to $20,000 to support farmers who can demonstrate hardship as a result of increased feed costs, freight costs, reduction in the value of livestock, recovery costs for pasture, restocking, and other expenditure that causes hardship as a result of this drought.
“I would like to assure affected islanders that we will continue to work closely with you and should you need additional assistance, we will provide that too.”
This support follows drought relief for the neighbouring King Island that the Premier announced last week.
“I recognise there are other areas around Tasmania facing extremely dry conditions, and we will continue to engage with farmers to understand their plight,” the Premier said.
Guidelines for the grants will be available on the Business Tasmania website.
Media release – Rebecca White MP, 9 March 2024
Drought relief – welcome. Way it was announced – not
Jeremy Rockliff’s announcement of drought relief for Flinders Island is a shameful exploitation of something that should be above politics.
Labor completely supports drought relief funding for Flinders Island, as we did with King Island.
If a community needs help, it should be provided.
But they needed help weeks ago. Why did they need to wait until an announcement fitted into Jeremy Rockliff’s campaign schedule?
What kind of leader waits until farmers are shooting their animals so they don’t starve to death before they ride in on a plane with a photographer to provide some relief?
Mr Rockliff has shown a flagrant disregard for caretaker conventions throughout this election. And today’s announcement is no different.
After 10 years of the Liberals, if you need their help, the only way you’ll get it is if there’s a camera in tow.
