“A re-elected majority Hodgman Liberal government will act on the concerns of West Coast residents and put an end to the controversial practice of cloud seeding,” Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.

“West Coast residents have long expressed concerns about the impact of cloud seeding leading to increased and unwelcome rainfall on the West Coast.

“Farmers around Tasmania have also raised concerns that the increased rainfall caused by cloud seeding in one area could result in less rainfall in other areas, particularly in the Midlands.”

Hydro Tasmania has had cloud seeding on hold since mid-2016, pending a review.

Cloud seeding became more controversial when it emerged it was done shortly before the fatal 2016 floods.

Hydro has described cloud seeding as a way to produce a moderate increase in rainfall.

Mr Rockliff said the phase-out would start immediately if the Liberals won a majority.

It would start with the King and Pieman catchments. 

“Importantly, this will not compromise Tasmania’s energy security thanks to the existing strong dam storage levels and our decision to raise the prudent water levels to prevent storages being drained,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Dam storages over the past year have stayed well above prudent storage levels, despite no cloud seeding occurring.

“When cloud seeding does occur, the estimated impact on storages is relatively small considering the negative impact on West Coast residents”

“ ... with major new developments like the Granville Harbour wind farm and hydro upgrades coming online, it is clear that cloud seeding is surplus to requirements and can be phased out.”

Any impact on Hydro Tasmania from the phase-out would be relatively minor, he said.