The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association has revitalised its approach to how it tackles the critical environmental issues affecting farm profitability and sustainability in Tasmania.
This was a key announcement made by TFGA President, Mr Roger Swain at the Association’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday.
“I was extremely pleased to be able to announce to our members that a major highlight from the last year was our new environment committee structure that is now in place and well and truly operational.”
“With a new Environment Policy Council and specific Committees around native vegetation, water, weeds, and game management, we are well-equipped to debate the environmental issues concerning members.”
“We are also in a better position as an organisation to take advantage of new opportunities to advance environmental management on-farm.” Mr Swain said.
Mr Ashley Bastock, Executive Officer for Natural Resource Management explained that the TFGA was aiming to focus on a smaller number of high priority issues rather than spreading its resources too thin.
“There is just such a wide range of environmental issues relevant to farming and hence which the TFGA is called to represent our members on.”
“From native vegetation and threatened species, private forestry, water resources management, weeds, game and feral animal control, biosecurity, landcare and Government funding for the environment, through to local Government planning, chemical usage, noise and air quality, cultural heritage and climate change… to name a few.” He said.
Mr Bastock explained that without losing sight of individual issues, the new Environment Policy Council would be targeting some key policy areas for discussion with Government. This includes
Native vegetation management, including problems that land use regulations are causing for normal farming operations.
Water development, and opportunities for the sustainable development of irrigated agriculture in Tasmania.
Red tape and reducing complexity around environmental compliance, including developing property management tools that can help farmers to assess and demonstrate their environmental credentials.
Promoting Government investment into innovative voluntary agri-environmental programs that recognise the contribution farmers make in managing our rural environments.
Promoting integrated approaches to manage native animal browsing damage on productive and natural areas.
Co-ordinating programs to control priority agricultural weeds across public and private lands.
ENDS Date: For immediate release: 25 May 2006
Contact(s):
Mr Roger Swain, Mr Ashley Bastock
President TFGA Executive Officer Natural Resource
0429 321 813 Management
0418 388 495 |
