Up to 320 km of new water pipelines will direct 37 GL of water into the region. Photo: Tasmania Irrigation.
The Federal Government has committed $150 million of the $300 million required for Tasmania’s Great South East Irrigation Scheme.
As a major part of the Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, the remaining $150 million will be split evenly between the Tasmanian Government and the state-owned Tasmanian Irrigation.
The scheme will integrate the existing South East Stages One, Two and Three schemes, and deliver irrigation water to areas around Gretna, Jordan River Valley, Brighton, Cambridge, Richmond, Tea Tree, Colebrook, Campania, Orielton, Sorell and Forcett.
Some 320 km of new pipelines, four new pump stations and new balance tanks will be constructed for the project, all powered by 100 per cent hydro. The project will provide 37 GL of water to food growing regions in Tasmania’s southeast, providing irrigation for the state’s cherry, apple, salad vegetable, grape, stone fruit and olive growers.
The Federal Government says the funding for the scheme comes on top of funding previously delivered for other irrigation projects across the state, including the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme, Don Irrigation Scheme, and the Sassafras-Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was backing regional jobs by backing infrastructure like this project.
“We know that water security is the key to securing economic growth in regional Tasmania,” he said. “This will create jobs and economic opportunity, while keeping costs down for farmers.”
A map of the planned Great South East Irrigation Scheme. Image: Tasmania Irrigation.
Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said water was one of Australia’s most precious resources.
“Labor knows how important increasing irrigation in Tasmania is, to provide water security for farmers and drive economic growth for the state,” she said.
“That’s why we are investing almost half a billion dollars in Tasmanian water infrastructure projects. It’s a win for Tassie farmers, a win for jobs and a win for the economy.”
Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell described it as a “terrific announcement”.
“Especially since the money will be flowing as soon as possible to farmers in the southeast,” he said.
“This welcome news will provide security to get crops in ground and will ensure the southeast can continue contributing to the great Tasmanian agriculture success story.
“The announcement adds to the hundreds of millions of dollars the Albanese Government has contributed to irrigation in Tasmania irrigation since the 2022 election.”
In a separate statement, Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jane Howlett acknowledged the commitment, but added that it came two days after Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton said a Coalition Government would commit the funds if it were elected.
“All year, I have been lobbying the Albanese Government to stump up the money for this vital irrigation project,” she said.
“With more water, our southeast farmers will be able to grow their businesses and expand production, which has a positive effect on our economy and jobs growth.
“Our farmers can now breathe a sigh of relief that this project will go ahead, and I also sincerely thank the Federal Liberal candidate Susie Bower for her hard work fighting for this funding, and TasFarmers and Fruit Growers Tas for their strong advocacy.”
