The state government is offering a lifeline to drought affected farmers in five council municipalities with one-off grants worth up to $55,000 to help tackle weeds.
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The government announced the $350,000 Drought and Weed Management Program on Friday for councils that have experienced prolonged drought conditions.
The grants will be available through the 12-month program to the Break O'Day, Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Sorell, Tasman and Southern Midlands councils.
Primary Industries and Water Minister Guy Barnett said the funding addressed the risk of weeds in the state's farming industry.
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"We recognise that farmer's priorities often shift in times of drought, focusing on protecting the farm business and the welfare of stock, meaning farmers often do not have the time or funds to tackle weeds," he said.
"[The] government is committed to supporting the farmers and rural communities that are the backbone of the Tasmanian economy.
"A highlight at today's launch was a demonstration of the weed detecting skills of Fonz, a detector dog that helps Glamorgan-Spring Bay officers undertake surveys for serrated tussock."
Only landowners in the identified municipalities that earn more than 50 per cent of their gross income from primary production are eligible to apply.
The funding will support subsidising the salary of a council weed inspector, up to $25,000, to work directly with farmers.
They also provide rebates on up to 66 per cent of total approved costs, up to $33,000, on invoices to farmers to undertake on-ground weed control.
The grants open on March 16, inquiries can be made to weeds.action.fund@dpipwe.tas.gov.au.
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