TAMAR FARMERS INVITED TO APPLY FOR IRRIGATION WATER

Farmers in the Tamar Valley are being encouraged to contractually apply for water entitlements as Tasmanian Irrigation today opens Water Sales for the 24,500-megalitre Tamar Irrigation Scheme.

Water Sales will be open for the $290 million Tamar infrastructure project for the next six weeks, enabling Tasmanian Irrigation to determine actual demand from landowners.

If Water Sales hit the pre-determined threshold, Tasmanian Irrigation will then develop a business plan to be submitted to the Tasmanian and Australian Governments to secure funding for this exciting scheme. The project will then progress to detailed design, permits and approvals before commencing construction, forecast for late 2023.

Tasmanian Irrigation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kneebone said there had been a growing level of excitement and anticipation about the Tamar Irrigation Scheme, as landowners realised the economic benefits of high-surety irrigation water being delivered to their properties.

“Tasmanian Irrigation has seen record levels of interest for many of the Tranche Three irrigation projects now under development, particularly in the Tamar,” Mr Kneebone said.

“We have farmers looking to double the area planted to berries, diversify into high-value fruit and vegetable crops, increase dairy production and boost stocking rates on the basis of reliable irrigation water.

“It is estimated that the Tamar Irrigation Scheme, once completed in 2025/26, will generate approximately 411 full-time jobs and 205 indirect jobs, and provide an economic benefit to Tasmania of $589 million.”

The Tamar Irrigation Scheme Preferred Option Design incorporates 240kms of pipeline and five pump stations to service an area of 89,000 hectares spanning Westwood, Legana, Beaconsfield, Rowella, Hillwood, Pipers River, Lilydale and Pipers Brook.

Mr Kneebone sincerely thanked the Tasmanian and Australian Governments for their ongoing commitment to the development of new irrigation schemes in the State, as well as landowners for their financial contribution as part of the unique public / private funding model.

“This Government and landowner partnership continues to deliver game-changing infrastructure and opportunities for Tasmanian farmers, ensuring we can help meet the Tasmanian Government’s target of increasing the farmgate value of the State’s agricultural sector to $10 billion by 2050.”

Tamar Irrigation Scheme Water Sales open today and close at 2pm on 3 June 2022.

Tasmanian Irrigation team leaders will be available to assist with Water Sales applications and further information from 9am to 3pm at Exeter RSL on 27 April, Hillwood Memorial Hall on 5 May, Lilydale Memorial Hall on 12 May, Hillwood Memorial Hall on 19 May and Exeter RSL on 26 May.

Applications forms can be downloaded from Tamar Scheme page.