Stop the Subsidised Sale of Rushy Lagoon

Don’t Let Canberra Distort Tasmania’s Farming Future

The Federal Government has approved the sale of Rushy Lagoon, one of Tasmania’s most significant agricultural properties to a foreign-owned investment vehicle, despite serious concerns from farmers, regional communities and industry stakeholders.

Throughout this process, questions have been raised about the reported involvement of taxpayer-backed financing through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the impact this has had on creating an uneven playing field for other prospective buyers. 

Rushy Lagoon is more than just a farm.

The 22,000-hectare property has been a cornerstone of beef and dairy production in North East Tasmania for decades, supporting jobs, local businesses and broader agricultural supply chains.

The decision paves the way for a major land-use change away from food production, raising concerns about food security, regional economic activity and confidence in Tasmania’s agricultural sector. 

Equally concerning is the lack of transparency surrounding the decision. The Government delayed the process multiple times, and ultimately announced the approval during the winter parliamentary recess after months of unanswered questions. 

Tasmanians deserve better. Governments should not be using taxpayer-backed institutions to distort agricultural land markets, disadvantage local producers and facilitate the transfer of productive farmland away from food production. 

Your Voice Matters 

If you believe agricultural land should remain available for food production, that governments should not distort the market with taxpayer-backed subsidies, and that decisions of this scale should be transparent, add your name today. 

I cannot do this without your support. Please sign the petition and encourage your friends and family to join us in this fight.