What is in the State Budget for the agricultural sector

Funding for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme, money for farming research, and support for Tasmania’s wild deer management plan are just some of the key elements of the State Budget for the agricultural sector.

Guy Barnett handed down his first budget as Treasurer on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Primary Industries Minister Jane Howlett said the budget was delivering for the farming and agriculture sector, describing them as a driver for the state’s economy and Tasmania’s way of life.

“The most recent AgriFood Score Card showed the value of packed and processed food in Tasmania is valued at more than $6 billion,” Ms Howlett said.

“That is 11 times more food produced in the State than what is consumed by resident Tasmanians.

“The value of the agricultural sector cannot be understated, which is why this budget continues to deliver our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and the significant investments we have made into primary industries and water into the future.”

The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture will receive an additional $1.5m for its Agriculture Research and Development Fund.

“This supports and leverages further investment in world-class research, development and extension so that we can deliver practical, on-farm benefits to our State’s agri-food producers,” Ms Howlett said.

“The Budget also supports Tasmanian organisations with the delivery of community and regionally-based education, mentoring and employment initiatives, including career pathways in agriculture.”

Ms Howlett said funding would also be provided for the management of invasive species.

“The Budget includes $2.25 million to continue delivering the Government’s Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan 2022-2027, which will allow further actions to sustainably manage wild fallow deer populations down.

“The Plan outlines how and where deer are to be sustainably managed, including as a hunting resource, and where they should be eradicated across Tasmania.”

The budget will include the previously announced $75m contribution from the state government for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme (GSEIS).

The federal government has also pledged to fund double that amount for the $301m project.

“We also know water is liquid gold for our communities and this Budget confirms our contribution for the vital GESIS to back in our farmers, driving new on-farm investment and supporting more jobs,” Ms Howlett said.

She said it was not the only water-related funding in the budget.

“We will continue rolling out the Rural Water Use Strategy, providing a comprehensive framework for the future of freshwater management in Tasmania across the various management agencies.

“This ongoing investment will ensure we have good freshwater management information, complementing other key projects like developing water security strategies for King and Flinders Islands, especially as we continue to monitor our response to ongoing dry seasonal conditions.”

Ms Howlett said there would be funding to complement investments in agriculture from the previous budget, such as money for the Tasmanian wine industry.

“Importantly, this is a budget that delivers what we said we would, and gets the balance right. 

“We are building a better agricultural sector now and for the future, and backing economic growth.”