The Liberals, if re-elected, have pledged to invest an additional $6.25 million into renewable energy regeneration from irrigation and other practical tools to help farmers reduce energy costs.
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It comes less than a fortnight after the Clean Energy Regulator confirmed Australia was on target to reach its 2020 renewable energy target.
Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff announced the funding near Mole Creek on Saturday, saying the Liberals would “also act to ensure that irrigation tariffs are available for farmers which are equal or lower than Momentum’s offer on the mainland.”
“This is all part of the government’s Tasmania first energy policy, ensuring we have the lowest regulated electricity prices by 2022,” he said.
“We understand keeping energy costs as low as possible is critical for Farmers trying to run a competitive business, especially in relation to maximising the benefits from newly installed irrigation.”
However, opposition primary industries spokesman Shane Broad has dismissed the plans as “commonsense.”
“The government has an obligation to put Tasmanian farmers first,” he said.
“You'd think it would go without saying.”
Sean Slatter
Journalist at Fairfax Media based at Launceston.
Journalist at Fairfax Media based at Launceston.
