Tasmanian Irrigation’s Farm Water Access Plan (Farm WAP) program is a cornerstone of our approach to sustainable irrigation. These property-specific documents guide the responsible use of irrigation water and help protect the long-term productivity and environmental values of irrigated farmland. All new properties receiving Tasmanian Irrigation water are required to have an approved Farm WAP in place before supply begins.

Every year we audit 10 - 15 per cent of Farm WAPs, and almost all of this year’s 55 audits have now been completed.

Tasmanian Irrigation’s Environment team thanked landowners for their cooperation with the audits. This year’s audit program identified a number of minor non-conformances that resulted in no environmental harm, the most common relating to irrigation outside approved Farm WAP zones, failure to verify/transfer Farm WAPs following property ownership changes, and cropping/irrigation on land classes that do not permit certain crop types, particularly root crops.

Tasmanian Irrigation Environmental Officer Amy Madsen said 28 minor issues that did not result in any environmental harm were recorded, with many more audit reports still to be finalised.

“Importantly, no major non-conformances resulting in environmental harm have been detected to date,” said Amy.

This year’s audit program focused on resolving legacy issues and strengthening long-term compliance, using satellite imagery analysis to identify risks and guide audit selection. This approach is contributing to identification of a higher rate of minor non-conformances compared with previous years.

Farm Water Access Plan Framework Update
Tasmanian Irrigation has completed a major overhaul of the Farm Water Access Planning Framework, consolidating multiple documents into one comprehensive framework that fully integrates water, soil and biodiversity modules, as well as the compliance and audit processes.

The update introduces clearer structure and responsibilities, a stronger regulatory context and a detailed environmental risk assessment framework.

Amy said Farm WAP compliance will be strengthened through expanded audit protocols, with new training, communication and documentation requirements to be embedded.

“The new framework delivers a consolidated, detailed and modernised approach that strengthens environmental management, compliance and long-term sustainability across all Farm WAP processes,” Amy said.