Tasmanian farmers and primary producers will have more time to access financial assistance after the Tasmanian Government has extended the grant program.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said she has seen first-hand the effects the conditions are having on producers during her travels to King Island and around the State.
“The Tasmanian Government knows our farmers are doing it tough this season with unusually dry conditions being felt across Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands,” Minister Howlett said.
“In March, we announced hardship grants would be available to farmers on both King and Flinders Islands as well as mainland Tasmania as a result of unseasonably dry conditions.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that we are extending the time that farmers have to apply for these grants from 30 April 2024 to the end of the financial year, 30 June 2024, so that more of our primary producers can access drought relief.
“Nearly $1.5 million in payments have so far been assessed and paid since the program commenced. We want our farmers to know that we have their back as the dry conditions continue.
“Farmers from 21 of the State’s 29 local government areas are currently going through the assessment process to receive financial support. This is in addition to King and Flinders Island farmers, who have so far been approved to receive collectively more than $1 million in support through the King and Flinders Islands Primary Producers Seasonal Conditions Scheme.”
TasFarmers president Ian Sauer thanked the State Government for its support for producers at this difficult time.
“TasFarmers welcomes the extension to the hardship grants to enable more farmers to access the program,” he said.
“We have been working very closely with industry and the Government to support our farmers, who are experiencing difficult times.”
Financial support of up to $20,000 is available through the King and Flinders Islands Primary Producers – Seasonal Conditions Scheme, providing relief to eligible primary producers on both King and Flinders Islands due to the dry conditions.
Those in other parts of Tasmania can receive support through the Mainland Tasmania – Livestock Producers – Seasonal Conditions Scheme, which offers one-off payments of up to $5,000 to eligible farm businesses.
The Tasmanian Government are working with suppliers and logistics as a matter of priority to ensure the availability of feed and fertiliser, as well as assist in facilitating the transport of livestock off properties as required.
Details on the support available for producers on King and Flinders Islands can be found at: King and Flinders Islands Dry and Drought Conditions | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (nre.tas.gov.au)
Other seasonal conditions grant scheme information can be found at: https://www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/grants_and_funding_opportunities/grants
