The first official duty for new Primary Industries and Water Minister Jane Howlett has been meeting drought-affected farmers on King Island.
Ms Howlett has met with beef farmers on the island today and attended the second drought forum.
She will also visit the King Island Racing Club and the King Island Council.
“The most important thing I can do right now is to get out there and listen to stakeholders.” Ms Howlett said.
“It’s all about listening to people and hearing their concerns.”
Last month, the Tasmanian Governement established the King and Flinders Island Primary Producers – Seasonal Conditions Scheme which provides one-off payments to drought affected farmers and businesses of up to $5,000.
Currently, the number of grants to be given under the King and Flinders Island Primary Producers Seasonal Conditions Scheme is unknown but Ms Howlett says she is open to having further discussions surrounding more funding for dought affected farmers.
King Islanders have expressed their ongoing concerns with King Island shipping costs and Ms Howlett says she acknowledges it is a long-standing issue.
“There is no easy answer otherwise it would have already been done,” she said.
“I am looking forward to listening to what the King Island farmers have to say.
“Shipping is primarily a matter for the Infrastructure Minister but I understand the concerns of King Island farmers are heightened by the drought they are experiencing.
“I am pleased to see that the Government was able to secure a number of extra sailings by the TasPorts-owned John Duigan as a result of increased demand.”
Ms Howlett said she expects that all three freight shipping operators servicing King Island will increase sailings as demand increases.