QUICK FACTS
- $10 billion farmgate target
- No biosecurity tax
- Mandatory video surveillance in abattoirs
- Establish Tasmania’s first wool school
- Reduce farm red tape
Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, a re-elected majority Liberal Government will:
- Stand with our farmers in opposition to the Federal Labor’s Government’s unfair new Biosecurity Tax
- Invest $5 million in an Ag-Protection Package to help protect and manage risks
- Commit to fair and co-developed compensation for farmers through the renewable energy transition
- Mandate video surveillance in all abattoirs, and provide an additional $3.2 million to the RSPCA to boost animal welfare compliance
- Fund a Tasmanian First “Wool School” – a Shearing and Wool Handling Innovation Centre at Campbell Town
- Make it easier to undertake essential farm work such as fuel reduction burns by introducing an online central portal for producers to reduce red tape.
An important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is to back our local communities so they can grow their economies, create jobs and so Tasmanians can work and raise their families and live in our regions.
Tasmania’s agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy and way of life. A re-elected majority Liberal Government will continue our strong plan to back in the agricultural sector to continue to prosper.
Tasmanian agriculture has never been more important.
It puts food on our tables, provides thousands of jobs, and supports our rural and regional communities.
Our premium produce is the envy of the world, and our farmers are the most confident in Australia.
The Tasmanian Liberals have a bold target to reach a farmgate value of $10 billion by 2050.
Tasmania has a remarkable opportunity to leverage our strengths in agriculture – rich soil, a favourable climate, water infrastructure, enterprising farmers and a premium brand – to significantly expand and accelerate our agricultural industries and food manufacturing capacity.
Oppose Federal Labor Government Biosecurity Tax
The Tasmanian Liberals stand with farmers and know the value of keeping our island state free of pests and diseases. The Liberals are the party of lower taxes and we do not support the imposition of federal taxes on our hardworking farming community to subsidise mainland Australia issues with little detail on the benefit to Tasmanians.
A re-elected majority Liberal Government will fight side by side with farmers to oppose the unfair new Federal Labor Government Biosecurity Tax.
We understand there are scant details on the potential impact on the existing levies system including a lack of transparency about how the collected funds will actually deliver dedicated, additional and tangible biosecurity outcomes, formalised producer oversight mechanisms, and proper recognition of existing producer contributions to the broader biosecurity system. As such, we will stand with farmers in their fight against this tax.
Supporting farmers through the renewable energy transition
The North West Transmission Development will deliver many benefits for Tasmanians, including economic development and thousands of new jobs.
We understand the concerns that the agricultural sector hold about this project– and potentially others in the future - given its need to encroach on private land.
A re-elected majority Liberal Government will develop – in conjunction with TasFarmers and individual landholders – a fair and contemporary compensation framework that recognises the impact of these projects on landowners.
This will include the development of a Strategic Benefits Payment.
Additionally, we commit to enforcing genuine consultation by GBEs that is time bound, provides clarity on the transmission route and considers property buy back where more than 30 per cent of a landholder's property is covered by easements.
We also commit to enforcing the removal of the existing easements and assets associated with the 220kV cable single circuit flat spacer line after the commissioning of the proposed development.
Boosting Animal Welfare Outcomes
We know that farmers care for the wellbeing of their animals more than anybody, and are angered when instances of animal abuse come to light.
A re-elected Liberal majority Government will take action to boost animal welfare, including:
- Mandatory video surveillance in all Tasmanian abattoirs, including contemporary and auditable video surveillance systems, and the provision of workforce development and training for processing staff.
- Funding of $3.2 million over four years for the RSPCA inspectorate and to enable the RSPCA to effectively carry out its vital work safeguarding animal welfare and providing advice to government on animal welfare matters.
- Continued funding for the Safe Beds Program to support pet owners affected by family violence - $75,000 per annum over three years.
Strong Borders, Strong Sector
A re-elected majority Tasmanian Liberal Government will invest $5 million in biosecurity to protect our borders against pest and disease incursions, safeguard animal welfare and manage risk to primary industries.
This includes:
- $3 million over four years to strengthen resources and expertise in supporting Tasmania to be disease free and protecting industries through import risk and pest control.
- $500,000 over four years to support TasFarmers to continue enhancing on-farm biosecurity engagement within the industry and delivery of good biosecurity practices.
- $1.2 million over three years for additional biosecurity officers to manage risks to animal welfare, market access, livestock traceability and biosecurity.
- $300,00 over three years to support industry groups such as Fruit Growers Tasmania to maintain community awareness and education around agricultural pests and diseases and to incorporate education material into schools and other community programs.
- Ensure truck wash and effluent dump facilities are adequate to meet the demands of the livestock industry.
- Continued industry support to roll-out mandatory electronic tagging of sheep and goats.
- Improve operations in our livestock processing sector to ensure better animal welfare outcomes, including introduction of mandatory video surveillance.
Making it easier to undertake fuel-reduction burns
Red tape is the bane of a farmer’s existence.
We will make it easier to undertake essential farm work such as fuel reduction burns by introducing a new, online central portal for producers, to reduce red tape.
New Wool School
A re-elected Liberal Government will provide $1.5 million for the Midland Agricultural Association to establish Tasmania’s first shearing and wool handling innovation centre at the Campbell Town Showgrounds which will include a shearing shed and associated amenities.
Currently there are limited opportunities for education and training within the wool industry that do not require students and teachers to travel significant distances or interstate.
The shearing and wool handling innovation centre will provide state-of-the-art facilities in a central location. We will invest in a centralised education, training and competition facility at Campbell Town, as a jobs pathway for the Tasmanian wool industry, which is experiencing critical skills shortages.
The new Centre is supported by Australian Wool Innovation for large-scale delivery of training programs and will allow Tasmania to host national shearing competitions as a showcase for regional Tasmania and mechanism to attract new shearers.
The proposal is consistent with recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian and New Zealand Wool Industry training bodies to address skills shortages in the wool industry.
The Midland Agricultural Association will operate the centre and will work with TasTAFE and other RTOs and organisations to leverage opportunities. Up to $200 000 will be provided to industry to support training opportunities.
Stepping up support for the Frontline of Agriculture
We are stepping up our support for frontline agriculture workers by supercharging the highly successful Strategic Industry Partnership Program (SIPP). We will provide more resources and flexibility to support development opportunities for peak bodies and agricultural associations.
A re-elected Liberal Government will provide increased funding for those working to support our farmers through a supercharged $3 million SIPP.
It will include an additional $500,000 on top of the existing $500,000 allocated for SIPP in 2024-25 with an extra $1 million per year over the following two years.
The SIPP will provide targeted grants on a co-investment basis to agricultural organisations in recognition of the critical role they play in supporting agri-food industry sectors and individual producers and agribusinesses. It will also promote collaboration and capacity building in the sector. The guidelines for this program will be released in the first 100 days.
Taking agriculture businesses to the next level
A re-elected majority Liberal Government will continue to help Tasmanian agriculture businesses to grow to the next level providing support for infrastructure that improves productivity or de-risks their operation.
This investment will support eligible operators to grow their business, increase their income and transition to a full-time primary production operation, in turn helping Tasmania reach its goal of growing the farmgate value of agriculture to $10 billion by 2050.
We will also:
- Continue our AgriGrowth Loans Scheme that provides for low-interest loans to farm and agri-food businesses to support projects that advance our Agrivision 2050 plan and increase the value of agriculture and agri-food sectors in Tasmania.
- Provide loans of up to $250,000 under the Young Farmer Support Package to assist more young farmers in pursuing Agribusiness farming opportunities. The Young Farmer Support Package offers cost reductions, more flexible security and loan arrangements, and industry-targeted dairy assistance for share farming in the dairy sector.
Managing our Water Resources
The development of irrigation schemes has been a game changer for Tasmanian producers.
Sixteen irrigation schemes have been constructed to date, and planning has commenced on a further five projects.
Tasmanian Irrigation now oversees more than 26,000 individual infrastructure assets with a replacement value of approximately $500 million across 19 operational schemes. Tasmanian Irrigation also has the capacity to deliver more than 133,000 megalitres of irrigation water each year.
A re-elected majority Liberal Government will continue its record of strong investment in irrigation projects, support our farmers to secure water where it’s needed and invest with confidence to grow higher value crops, to enter longer term supply contracts and expand their businesses.
We will:
- Invest $75 million in the Greater South-East Irrigation Scheme to unlock a further $150 million of Federal Government support.
- The Scheme will deliver up to 37,200 megalitres of reliable irrigation water each year to more than 300 irrigators in Tasmania’s south east, including Gretna, the Jordan River Valley, Tea Tree, Richmond, Campania, Sorell, Pawleena and Forcett.
- Tasmanian Irrigation, in collaboration with the Australian and Tasmanian Governments will also progress the Northern Midlands, Sassafrass Wesley Vale Augmentation and Tamar irrigation projects.
- Continue to implement self-management options through Tasmanian Irrigation.
Tasmania’s Rural Water Use Strategy (RWUS) is guiding work to ensure we have a modern water management framework where our water assets and services deliver on community, environmental and industry needs and are sustainable in the face of a changing climate.
We will provide a further $1 million towards implementation of the RWUS which includes establishing a contemporary Water Information Management System to improve understanding of what water is being taken by which user and when.
Boosting our Agricultural Workforce
A re-elected majority Liberal Government will further develop our agricultural workforce by promoting agricultural careers, fostering connections between industry and the workforce of the future and providing targeted skills development opportunities.
We will invest in programs that begin in primary school and continue throughout the education journey connecting young people with agriculture all the way along and changing the perception and the understanding of what it means to “work in ag”.
- A re-elected Liberal Government will partner with the Tasmanian Agricultural Education and Training Partnership, led by TIA, to deliver a high-impact marketing campaign and digital platform to change the image of agricultural careers – AG CAREERS, More Than You Think. $340,000 would be provided to highlight the extraordinary diversity that exists in this sector and the full range of careers and jobs available.
- Invest a further $800,000 in farmed-based education programs that inspire and engage students from primary school years through to high school, college and beyond, connecting them to the full range of roles on and off farms, starting the conversation about working in agriculture from the moment young people start school.
- Work with TASFARMERS to establish a mentorship program to support next generation farmers and actively engage with those starting out in the industry.
- Position Tasmania as a key location in the national AgCAREERSTART program offering 10-12 month on farm jobs for school leavers or under 25 year olds. Work with TASFARMERS, National Farming Federation and Commonwealth Government to actively promote and increase take up of this program in Tasmania.
- Ensure young Tasmanians who want to engage in skills and training have access to suitable accommodation and transport by working with our schools, education providers and industry to identify options in each region of the state.
Charter for working on private farm land
A re-elected majority Liberal Government will improve relations between on-farm interactions that are respectful and informed. Farmers operate a business, often from the place they also call home.
Businesses require access to farms to meet their obligations such as routine inspections, meter reading and maintenance; as well as to undertake design, planning and construction of projects.
In 2019, the Charter for Working on Private Farm Land was developed by the Tasmanian Government, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (now TasFarmers), Aurora Energy, TasNetworks, TasWater and Tasmanian Irrigation to spell out what behaviour is expected on-farm.
A re-elected Liberal Government will update the Charter to ensure it meets current needs and expectations involving business coming onto farms, whether for an inspection, meter reading or projects. This may include land acquisition and compensation and will ensure that activities are undertaken in an informed and respectful way.
The updated Charter will also consider inclusion of the mining sector, and work already undertaken, such as TasFarmer’s Farm Access Code of Conduct.
Removing workforce housing barriers for farmers
The Tasmanian Liberals understand that a major barrier to farmers having the workforce they need is appropriate on-site housing.
We will:
- Reduce red tape that restricts the ability of primary producers to provide housing options for workers.
- Provide greater flexibility for farmers under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 to offer on-farm residence as part of an employment contract.
- Address restrictions that apply to the development of housing on agricultural land, including an option for more than one dwelling on a single title (either temporary or permanent)
- Make it possible for short-term, modular or transportable housing solutions to be used on farms as agricultural workforce accommodation.
Securing the Vets Tasmania needs
A re-elected majority Liberal Government will introduce a new $400,000 Veterinarian Attraction Package to help attract and retain veterinarians in Tasmania with a key focus on rural and regional areas.
The Attraction Package, in partnership with the RSPCA, will include:
- A study assistance program for Tasmanians wanting to study to be a veterinarian, including subsidised travel (Tasmania does not have a veterinary school).
- A work placement program and study rotations for second or third-year students, including subsidised travel.
- HECS debt support for new graduates, relocation fees and/or bonus payments linked to tenure in rural and regional areas.
Partnerships with industry sectors will also be examined, including post-graduate scholarship programs.
These professional positions are essential for the delivery of animal health and welfare, public health and biosecurity regulatory functions.
It is especially difficult to recruit veterinarians in regional and rural areas, and that challenge is being felt right across the country.
Quercus Park Infrastructure for the Future
A re-elected majority Liberal Government will work with Rural Youth of Tasmania and Dairy Tas to support the construction of a permanent multi-use structure at the Quercus Park site with $350,000 provided by Government.
A new multi-use structure will ‘future-proof’ the dairy industry’s participation in Agfest as well as provide an all-weather facility for other community groups and site users, including the Royal Launceston Show which recently relocated their event to Quercus Park.
Data shows the Agfest Agricultural Field Days at Quercus Park brings between $21 million and $26 million to the region’s economy annually.
Car clubs, dog shows, music festivals and other events would also have access to the undercover area with a solid floor. This creates a much-needed asset for not only our young farmers but also for the rural community.
The Dairy Expo at Agfest is a major drawcard, education and networking space for the Tasmanian dairy industry.
Investment in a permanent structure creates a wide range of other opportunities for emergency services training, school groups as well as extension activities for Dairy Tas in a central and easily accessed location.
Selling our fruit to the world
A re-elected Liberal Government will create new market opportunities for fruit growers by funding an industry trade officer and investing in an online produce guide to promote farm gate businesses and reach local and tourist customers.
Fruit production generates an estimated farm gate income of some $400 million annually, making it one of the state’s larger agri food sectors.
Fruit production is a growing industry and an important part of the Government’s goal to reach $10 billion in farmgate production by 2050. While our fruit industry is a success story, new markets will support it to grow even further.
The investment in a trade officer to work with Fruit Growers Tasmania will identify opportunities for export growth and complete a trade development plan to support the three key sectors of cherries, apples and berries.
In addition, a re-elected Liberal Government will further support fruit producers by transforming the annual paper based Tasmanian Seasonal Produce Guide into an interactive digital resource to guide locals and visitors to eat, drink and shop their way around Tasmania’s producers, farm gate markets and restaurants, connecting producers with more customers and increasing product awareness and availability.
Sustainable Wine
The Tasmanian wine sector has built an enviable position over many decades, with a clear and unwavering focus on driving demand, quality and value ahead of growth in production. As a result, the sector is in the top ten of all sectors contributing to the state’s economy, attracting some of the highest value in the country, a global reputation which belies its current scale, and continuing strong growth.
Driving demand for increased Tasmanian wine availability, protecting brand and price differentials currently synonymous with Tasmanian wine, will be a focus of the Tasmanian Liberals.
We will invest $1.5 million over three years to drive growth and sustainability in Tasmanian wine production. We will work with Wine Tasmania to facilitate access to labour and targeted skills, provide technical support and resources and create a specialist cool climate wine research hub.
Fermentation facility
A re-elected majority Liberal Government will invest $1.7 million to FermenTasmania to assist with the fit-out and equipping of their Fermentation Hub at Legana in the Tamar Valley. Construction of the facility is due to be completed by the end of the year and be up and running in early 2025.
The creation of a purpose-built fermentation facility will drive long-term regional economic growth and employment opportunities through; product development, skills and training, research, education and agritourism.
This facility will support Tasmania’s agricultural producers for value adding to their produce creating products such as bread, wine, cheese, cider, whisky and sauerkraut as well as creating jobs in the Tamar Valley. It is estimated that the project will create 650 direct and indirect jobs within the agrifood industry by 2030.
Protecting our Natural Assets
Landcare Tasmania
As one of our state’s great volunteering success stories, a re-elected majority Liberal Government will ensure the important work of Landcare Tasmania continues with more than $1.865 million over three years towards programs and initiatives.
- Expansion of the successful Landcare Action Grants program with $900,000 over three years.
- Ongoing support for the work of Landcare Tasmania with $155,000 per year in core funding.
- $15,000 annually towards the Tasmanian Community Landcare Conference and Awards.
- A further $85,000 a year to support Landcare’s operation and the work of its volunteers.
- Contribute $200,000 towards a Landcare Community Support Program which will enable the organisation to look to employ an additional staff member in northern Tasmania and increase the capacity of Landcare to work with its 6500 volunteers.
NRMs
We will also provide additional support for the valuable work of the state’s three Natural Resource Management bodies with a $2.4 million package over the next two years.
This provides an increase in State funding to each of the three NRM regions. NRMs deliver a return of up to $19 for every $1 of funding.
Supporting those who support our farmers
A re-elected majority Liberal Government will continue to back those working in primary production and in our rural and regional communities by investing more into the services that support them and their families.
- $2.13 million three-year Rural Business Resilience Package (seeking matched Federal funding) to manage the impact of drought on farming communities including the Farm Business Resilience program and the Regional Drought Resilience Planning program.
- $400,000 over three years for the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
- $1.6 million to Rural Alive and Well to continue their important Community Engagement and Support Services.
- $300,000 annually to continue the Safe Farming Tasmania program for a further three years.
- $500,000 to extend the Agricultural Shows Small Grants Fund for a further three years
- $500,000 for new cat management facilities including for the communities of the north west and west coasts.
Net Cost: $27.74 million in operating expenditure