The Rockliff Liberal Government is proud to work with the agricultural sector to build Tasmania’s future by improving the health of our waterways.
Primary Industries and Water Minister Jo Palmer said this Government was investing in the dairy industry to further protect the environment through the ninth round of the Cows out of Creeks program.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government has made $100,000 available for the program through DairyTas, enabling them to offer 25 grants of up to $5000 to each approved project,” Minister Palmer said.
“Our Government is co-investing with the dairy industry to further protect the environment, with farmers already achieving this through the installation of fencing, stock crossings, off-stream watering and riparian planting, where fencing work is also undertaken.
“This funding helps ensure farmers are sustainably growing their businesses while protecting Tasmanian waterways.
“Additionally, getting ‘Cows out of Creeks’ also leads to improved animal welfare and human health outcomes.
“So far, the program has helped build more than 111 kilometres of fencing and 150 water troughs on 37 dairy and beef farms in Circular Head, meaning some 240,000 cattle are limited from accessing waterways, providing a win-win for stock health and the creeks and rivers in the region.”
The Rockliff Liberal Government has an ambitious target to grow the annual farm-gate value of agriculture to $10 billion by 2050 and the dairy industry is a key contributor to progress towards this goal.
The 2020-21 Tasmanian AgriFood Scorecard highlighted record milk production of 961 million litres of milk on the back of excellent seasonal conditions.
Dairy was also the highest value agricultural category with an overall value of milk at $490 million and dairy processed value of $841 million.
“Our investment in the agriculture industry is helping to grow Tasmania’s strong economy, support jobs and deliver for our community” Minister Palmer said.
Applications for the latest round of Cows out of Creeks funding close on Thursday.
Landholders who want to be involved in this program can apply by emailing admin@dairytas.net.au or calling DairyTas on 03 6432 2233.
