THE federal government’s widely well-received Agriculture White Paper has drawn criticism from Bass Greens MHA Andrea Dawkins.
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Released on Saturday, the nation’s first White Paper outlined federal funding pledges for agriculture over the coming decades.
The paper included an investment of $500 million for water infrastructure, close to $250 million for biosecurity and $250 million in drought concessional loans each year for the next 11 years.
Industry experts have applauded the pledges, but Ms Dawkins said on Sunday the document contained several shortfalls.
‘‘Aside from the obvious failure to address the most significant threat to our wellbeing of the modern day, climate change, the White Paper does not provide an avenue to address concerns specific to Tasmania,’’ she said.
Ms Dawkins listed weeds, pests, water availability, dams and drought as Tasmania’s highest agricultural priorities and said many of those elements were not touched on in the White Paper.
‘‘Tasmania’s feral cat problem, along with other biosecurity concerns, likewise do not appear to have been considered by the department in drafting the document and the Greens want to see further consultation with state departments as there has clearly been a lack of communication of the needs of primary producers here.’’
Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said the document contained $100 million for nationwide pest and weed management and eradication, along with a steadfast approach to drought relief.
‘‘The drought and risk management measures under the White Paper will provide certainty and help drive long-term growth and prosperity by encouraging better preparedness,’’ he said.
‘‘Our enviable pest and disease status also underpins our reputation as a reliable supplier of clean and green world-class agricultural produce—which is one of our key competitive advantages in international markets.’’