FARMERS and graziers have weighed into debate on managing bushfire risks, saying the state government must pull its weight on fuel reduction burns. The government went into the March election promising to burn off 60,000 hectares of treatable land in Tasmania each year. The 5 per cent target stemmed from a key recommendation of Victoria's Royal Commission into the Black Saturday bushfires. But Environment Minister Matthew Groom, whose department heads the $29 million policy, told a budget estimates hearing in September that the 5 per cent target would in fact be reached in four years' time. Recent reports that regional Tasmanian fire officials are worried about a lack of reduction burnsbefore what is expected to be a long, hot summer have reignited debate on the issue. Mr Groom says the government is well ahead of its first yearly target to burn off 27,000 hectares by June next year, and remains committed to increasing the target to 60,000 hectares within its first term. "It will take time to build capacity and we made no secret of this fact, with funding in the budget gradually ramping up over the next four years," he said. Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said the peak body was pleased with the progress of this year's reduction burns. "However, there is much yet to be done in ensuring the state government steps up to the plate and meets its responsibilities as a landowner," she said. "We will be working with them to ensure delivery of their commitments." Labor leader Bryan Green maintained the amended target was a broken promise. "Unfortunately the Liberals promised the world, that is 60,000 hectares, and they've not delivered their own promise," he said.
FARMERS and graziers have weighed into debate on managing bushfire risks, saying the state government must pull its weight on fuel reduction burns.
The government went into the March election promising to burn off 60,000 hectares of treatable land in Tasmania each year.
The 5 per cent target stemmed from a key recommendation of Victoria's Royal Commission into the Black Saturday bushfires.
But Environment Minister Matthew Groom, whose department heads the $29 million policy, told a budget estimates hearing in September that the 5 per cent target would in fact be reached in four years' time.
Recent reports that regional Tasmanian fire officials are worried about a lack of reduction burnsbefore what is expected to be a long, hot summer have reignited debate on the issue.
Mr Groom says the government is well ahead of its first yearly target to burn off 27,000 hectares by June next year, and remains committed to increasing the target to 60,000 hectares within its first term.
"It will take time to build capacity and we made no secret of this fact, with funding in the budget gradually ramping up over the next four years," he said.
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said the peak body was pleased with the progress of this year's reduction burns.
"However, there is much yet to be done in ensuring the state government steps up to the plate and meets its responsibilities as a landowner," she said.
"We will be working with them to ensure delivery of their commitments."
Labor leader Bryan Green maintained the amended target was a broken promise.
"Unfortunately the Liberals promised the world, that is 60,000 hectares, and they've not delivered their own promise," he said.
