As part of Tasmanian Irrigation’s commitment to delivering reliable, efficient and cost-effective irrigation services, we are progressing toward formally opening applications for community management of operational schemes.

Changes to Tasmanian law late in 2023 gave Tasmanian Irrigation the ability to delegate some powers and functions to groups of irrigators who want to have greater involvement in managing their scheme. In practical terms, the changes to legislation mean that Tasmanian Irrigation can delegate some of its powers and functions to irrigator groups where they have proven they have the backing and capacity to undertake the role.

A trial of the application and assessment process is currently being undertaken with Winnaleah Irrigation Scheme Limited.

Tasmanian Irrigation Chief Operating Officer David Skipper said: “This is an important step in understanding how community management can work in practice and what the working relationship would look like between Tasmanian Irrigation and an Irrigation Delegate that takes on self-management.

“The trial process is more than just a test of the application and assessment process. It involves a deep dive into our operations to clearly identify what responsibilities Tasmanian Irrigation must retain as the Responsible Water Entity.

“It also gives irrigators a look ‘under the hood’ at the responsibilities and functions they would like delegated to them, what standards and compliance obligations accompany those functions, and the risks involved.”

Tasmanian Irrigation has worked with irrigators, other stakeholders and the Tasmanian Government to put in place processes that allow irrigators to apply to take on some functions under community management.

David thanked Winnaleah Irrigation Scheme Limited for taking part in the trial for the benefit of any future irrigator communities that wish to apply for community management.

“This process has enabled us to work through the documentation that irrigator groups need to provide to Tasmanian Irrigation in support of their application and as required by the legislation. We have also been able to review and refine the contracts that would be put in place to support effective delegation of powers and functions, consistent with the legislation that Tasmanian Irrigation operates under.”

For more information, please contact consultation@tasirrigation.com.au.