Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Hodgman Liberal Government places a high value on our state’s honey and pollination industries, which is why we are working with the bee industry to address both strategic needs and immediate issues resulting from a historically difficult season. This includes both the direct impact of the recent bushfires and wider seasonal impacts on production.
Today I attended the Tasmanian Beekeeper Association meeting in Launceston, along with representatives from Agrigrowth, Parks and Wildlife and the Department of State Growth.
The Government has made a range of assistance available for those directly impacted by the bushfires, including:
- Providing up to 12 months fee relief to the value of $62,000 for leases and licenses where hive sites are on crown land,
- Bushfire Small Business Disruption grants of up to $2,000,
- Longer-term Bushfire Business Recovery Grants of up to $25,000 each for eligible small to medium business enterprises,
- Concessional Business Recovery Loan Scheme which will make available concessional loans of up to $100,000 each to help businesses re-establish after the fires,
- Freight subsidies for beekeepers impacted by bushfires to help cover transport costs up to $15,000.
Recovery from the disruption caused by the bushfires is an immediate focus, however, we are also helping the industry to create a clear vision to ensure a strong, sustainable future for the Tasmanian honey and pollination industries.
The Government has committed $750,000 over three years to support Bee Industry Futures including $500,000 towards infrastructure upgrades to improve resource access.
Strategic priorities are being developed in consultation with stakeholders including the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association, the Tasmanian Crop Pollination Association, the TFGA, Fruit Growers Tasmania and other pollination-dependent industries.
The Government is committed to working with the beekeeping industry on re-prioritising the distribution of the assistance to maximise long-term industry benefits.
We remain committed to ensuring the maximum practical access to Leatherwood and other plants like Manuka within the constraints of the relevant statutory management plans.
We’re here to help recovery and I look forward to continuing the very productive partnership we have established over the years.
