Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA), Media Release, 25 August 2023

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) are pushing for urgent solutions to the Tasmanian regional housing crisis. The matter is of significant concern to the Tasmanian farming sector which has made a real contribution to the states economic growth and expansion.

The TFGA has recently lobbied members of the Australian Federal Parliament to support the construction of 30,000 regional homes across the nation within the next five years.

Now, on behalf of Tasmanian farmers and workers, the TFGA is asking the state government to take decisive action to address the housing crisis in Tasmania.

Interim CEO of the TFGA, Alastair Cameron, said we are asking for the government to allow farmers and landowners to invest in worker accommodation and remove excessive red tape when it comes to constructing much needed accommodation on farming properties.

Mr Cameron said, “TFGA have taken the proactive step of writing to the Minister for Housing and Construction, Nic Street, urging the government to allow for farm-led investment in an effort to secure housing for workers in regional areas where accommodation is scarce.”

“With limited housing stock across the state, we firmly believe that farmers should encounter fewer regulatory obstacles when constructing accommodation on their properties.“

“Farmers should have the option to build in the form of units and accommodation blocks to house seasonal workers in peak production periods or house full-time farm workers on a permanent basis.

“When necessary and appropriate, transportable/demountable accommodation should also be an option. This approach would allow for housing to be relocated to different areas to meet fluctuating seasonal demand, providing a flexible solution.

“In times past, we could rely on pubs and caravan parks to accommodate seasonal workers during peak season. With increased demand for short-stay accommodation, this is no longer an option and the need to invest in on-farm accommodation is even more crucial,” said Mr Cameron.

Government support is critical and the TFGA believes that the sector should receive support to drive and facilitate investment in accommodation in our regional and rural areas.

In partnership with the government, we have the tools and strategies to alleviate shortages and relieve pressure in regional property and rental markets.