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Tasmania allocated $1.94 million in Horticultural Netting Program
Fruit Growers Tasmania | Tuesday, 1 February 2022, 3.00pm
The Australian Government has published details of a $35 million expansion of the Horticultural Netting Program Trial. The government is committing $1.94 million for Tasmanian horticulturalists to purchase and install protective netting. The program will operate until 30 June 2024, or until all the funds are committed.
Almost $26 million was allocated to the initial trial which excluded Tasmanian growers. Fruit Growers Tasmania has made numerous representations to the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, as well as Apple and Pear Australia Limited for Tasmanian growers to be included in the trial.
While any funding in this important area is welcome, a three per cent allocation of the $61 million allocated under the program, and less than half of what the Australian Government allocated itself for administration, undervalues the Tasmanian industry’s share of national apple and cherry production.
The Tasmanian Government will be responsible for administering the program and it is hoped that the guidelines can be finalised quickly so that growers’ applications can be assessed in time for winter netting construction.
Growers looking to utilise the program could consider starting to compile the following documents and information:
- Written cost estimates from netting suppliers.
- Financial statements from the past 12 months.
- Information on the property including size and location.
- If there are any relevant planning proposals or approvals required, to have these ready to go up-front
- Bank statements proving grower’s ability to make payments.
Full details of the Tasmanian Government’s guidelines will be communicated as soon as they are available.
