Machinery operations proposal up for comment

Public comment is being sought on a draft document that will amend the restrictions on agricultural machinery operations during summer months.

Currently, machinery operations like harvesting are not normally permitted during daylight hours once a total fire ban is declared in Tasmania.

The new proposal has been formulated by a committee of agriculture-based stakeholders including civil and roadside contractors, Poppy Growers Tasmania, the Tasmanian Transport Association, and the TFGA, in conjunction with the Tasmanian Fire Service.

It aims to provide greater clarity and flexibility for contractors during ban periods, and has been influenced by similar models that are currently operating in other states of Australia.

A refined final draft of the document will be presented to the Tasmania Fire Service and the State Government for consideration and implementation prior to the 2016/17 fire season.