Bass cash splash as Prime Minister Scott Morrison tipped to tour Agfest in northern Tasmania

The Prime Minister is set to announce millions of dollars and new policies to boost agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries while on yet another visit to northern Tasmania.

The Prime Minister is set to announce millions of dollars and new policies to boost agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries — including a new statutory body that would plan and manage water projects throughout Australia.

And Scott Morrison, in Launceston on Thursday, will also reveal a re-elected Coalition government would lower the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme safety net threshold to allow people with chronic conditions to access subsidies sooner.

Among the cash splash is more than $500 million in new funding a re-elected Coalition would deliver to primary industries.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a press conference in Perth, WA, on Tuesday. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

The bulk of the funding would go towards concessional loans that would “unlock the potential of the forestry industry”.

Mr Morrison — expected to visit Agfest — will also pledge to develop a 2030 Protected Horticulture Strategy and a new statutory authority, the National Water Grid, which would be responsible for strategic planning and project management for water infrastructure, planning and projects.

The Coalition will also vow to lower the threshold for free or discounted medicines by 12 scripts for pensioners and concession cards holders or two scripts for non-concession card holders from 2020.

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It has estimated 38,000 Tasmanians would benefit from the lowering of the safety net.

“This change will save patients up to $80 per year but more importantly it means over one million Australians will be able to access free medicine even quicker,” Mr Morrison said.

“Families who require multiple medicines per month and pensioners with multiple chronic conditions will get the most benefit.

“Our strong economic management means we are providing Australian patients with access to lifesaving and life-changing medicines quicker than ever before.”