Guy Barnett must explain himself to irrigators

Tasmanian Labor
  • Farmers have their water allocation halved two months into the irrigation season
  • Crops, contracts, investment and jobs at risk
  • Guy Barnett should have let farmers know as soon as he knew
  • Guy Barnett has demonstrated indifference to the plight of irrigators in the south of the state, who find themselves suddenly with dramatically reduced water allocations.

    Labor Leader Rebecca White said users of the South East Irrigation Scheme were told late last week their water allocation has been halved.

    “Farmers already have crops in the ground, investing millions of dollars based on assurances of guaranteed water supply.

    “Without water, the crops fail, contracts with supermarkets can’t be kept, the reputation of nationally recognised businesses are tarnished and ultimately jobs in regional and rural Tasmania are lost.”

    Ms White said users of the South East Irrigation Scheme include Houston Farms, Daly Potatoes, Pinata Berry Farm, Yalumba Wine, the Fogarty Wine Group and many other farmers and investors who are dependent on a reliable water supply.

    “Guy Barnett is quick to point to the success of Tasmanian farmers, such as the national-award winning Daly Potato Company. Where is he when these businesses are facing trouble?

    “The Daly Company planted a potato crop worth $1million in June this year and relies on the South East Irrigation Scheme to supply water to the farm.

    “Guy Barnett must show up for irrigators and tell them what he’s doing right now to ensure crops won’t die in the ground because farmers can’t access the water they’ve been promised. And he must make it a priority to shore up the long term sustainability of the South East scheme.”

    Rebecca White

    Labor Leader

    /Public Release. View in full here.