Feed has been secured for King Island farmers with the first shipment of hay expected to depart the mainland next week.
The operators of the Port Welshpool, Gippsland Ports have been secured to help bring hundreds of hay bales across the strait.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said they have been trying to find a solution for King Island farmers after the Colac Otway Shire Council pulled out of talks earlier this week.
“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,” Mr Rockliff said.
Victorian volunteers working with Need for Feed will now deliver the feed from northern Victoria to Port Welshpool for shipping to the island.
TasFarmers have welcomed the news and commended Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Minister for Primary Industry and Water, Jane Howlett for resolving the stand-off with the Colac Otway Shire Council.
TasFarmers President, Ian Sauer said the news will give some confidence to King Island farmers and the Lions Club charity Need for Feed, who have been advocating for much-needed fodder from Apollo Bay.
“If the shire truly cared for our country and its farmers, and acted as responsible corporate citizens, we wouldn’t be in this situation. They should feel ashamed, and the nation should be appalled by this injustice,” Mr Sauer said.
“We now have a viable solution, and the government’s responsiveness offers King Island farmers some breathing space.”
He praised the exemplary support from Victorian farmers, highlighting the strong camaraderie between Tasmania’s King Island and Victoria.
“The Premier’s dedication to this issue is evident, and Tasmanians can take pride in the government’s swift action.”
Grants for drought affected farmers is open until June 30.
Details on the support available for producers on King and Flinders Islands can be found on the NRE Tas website.