Flourishing — thanks to our regions
Growth beckons in agriculture, fisheries and forestry, writes
IF we stop and reflect on Tasmania’s progress, we can see the many ways the state has grown and developed into what it is today. That’s not just by chance. Tasmania has a proud history when it comes to pioneering industries in both the cities and the bush and it’s something every Tasmanian should be proud of.
Our industries have been forged by hardworking Tasmanians willing to take a chance and invest for not only the betterment of their own families, but also to the benefit of their communities.
From our world-renowned aquaculture industry, to our offerings of specialty timbers and our abundance of fine food from our wonderful farms, Tasmania has what the world wants and that’s something we should be proud of.
We need to stop and reflect on just how important they are to both those who live in the cities and the country.
Take, for example, the regional community of Triabunna, decimated by campaigns against the forestry industry.
Unemployment rose to almost 10 per cent in 2013, bringing the township to the edge.
But with the growth of the aquaculture industry, unemployment has been more than halved.
All thanks to primary industries.
In 2017-2018, the gross value of agricultural production in Tasmania was $1.6 billion — 3 per cent of the total gross value of agricultural production in Australia.
Our region is renowned for its significant Atlantic salmon aquaculture sector with fisheries production in 20152016 estimated to be about $913 million, an increase of 11 per cent from 2014—2015. Our industries are thriving and continuing to deliver our valued produce across the globe.
The future of all Australians depends on the success of not only our cities, but our rural and regional areas as well.
These rural communities are the engine room of our economy, helping to support local jobs and growth. These small townships are essential to our cities, not in opposition or contrast to them but an essential part of the mix for a successful economy.
We have to bridge the gap between the city and country and understand that much of what we enjoy comes from our regions. Perhaps the divide is not as pronounced here in Tasmania, but it’s important to realise that our economy is driven by our regional communities who mine, graze, crop trees and farm fish.
From what we put on our plates, to the clothes we wear and the furniture we buy, these things were produced in our regions.
We rely on these wonderful industries to have access to what we want and what the world wants, and it’s time to get behind our regional communities and support their growth.
That is why the Morrison Government’s plan to grow the agriculture, fisheries and forestry industry to a $100 billion industry by 2030 is so important.
These industries are integral to Tasmania’s success and through this support these sectors will continue to grow and develop, employ more Tasmanians and keep our economy strong.
It’s time to get behind our regional communities and support their growth