The Tasmanian Liberal Government has stepped in to bring the much-needed stock feed languishing on the mainland to farmers on King Island via the Port of Welshpool.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the operators of Port Welshpool, Gippsland Ports, had been secured to help bring hundreds of hay bales across the strait.
"This is an extremely pleasing result for our farmers, and I extend my sincere thanks to the Port Welshpool community for working with my Government to deliver for King Island," Premier Rockliff said.
"We have been working around the clock to find a resolution for our farmers after the Colac Otway Shire Council pulled out of talks earlier this week,"
Premier Rockliff said.
"Unfortunately, the decision of the Colac council has added additional time and cost to what should have been a simple task, but a commitment to helping our farmers from both Tasmania and the mainland has seen us come to a good solution.
"Hard working Victorian volunteers working with Need for Feed will now deliver the feed from northern Victoria to Port Welshpool for shipping to the island and we appreciate the efforts they have been putting in to help our farmers.
"It builds on the long friendships formed when Tasmanian farmers supported their Victorian counterparts following drought and fire in the past and shows that those living on the land share a common appreciation for dealing with hardship.
"I would also like to acknowledge the willingness of shipping operators to make their vessels available to deliver the feed from Welshpool to King Island.
"The first shipment of hay is expected to depart the port of Welshpool next week.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the Tasmanian Liberal Government will always back our farmers.
"As we consistently say, we value the contribution our famers make to our state and are standing by their side to get through these difficult times," Minister Howlett said.
"That's why after becoming Minister, I immediately went to King Island so that I could meet with our farmers over there, see what they were dealing with first-hand, and reassure them of our support."
"We've worked hard to deliver this assistance for King Island farmers and I'm so pleased this feed will be in its way soon."
"We know rural communities across the state are doing it tough, which is why we established drought support for farmers in March."
"Farmers have already received a total of $1.5 million in drought payments so far, with grants open until June 30."
Details on the support available for producers on King and Flinders Islands can be found at: King and Flinders Islands Dry and Drought Conditions | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (nre.tas.gov.au).
