Tasmanian Irrigation has launched the final stage of consultation with our irrigators and key stakeholders regarding potential community management of publicly owned irrigation schemes.

Changes to Tasmanian legislation passed by State Parliament late in 2023 enabled community management of publicly owned irrigation schemes, where feasible and appropriate.

Since that time, Tasmanian Irrigation has been working with our irrigators, other stakeholders and the Tasmanian Government to put in place processes that will allow irrigators to apply to take on a greater role in management of irrigation schemes.

“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,” said Tasmanian Irrigation CEO Andrew Kneebone.

“Tasmanian Irrigation supports community management of publicly owned irrigation schemes where it makes sense. We are always looking for efficiencies in how we operate schemes, and if there’s a more efficient way for irrigators to access the schemes, we support that.”

The legislation does not enable the transfer of state-owned irrigation assets. All irrigation scheme assets will remain owned by Tasmanian Irrigation on behalf of the State.

Earlier this year, Tasmanian Irrigation ran the first stage of a consultation process with current water entitlement holders and key stakeholders, seeking feedback on draft documents that would support the application process.

“We received some considered comments and questions about how these changes would be implemented in practice and what it would mean for the ongoing operation of irrigation schemes,” Mr Kneebone said.

“Responding to feedback raised during the first stage of consultation has required us to seek external advice on a range of matters. This has resulted in a slightly later timeframe for opening Stage 2 consultation than originally expected.

“There are also several processes that require additional work before applications can open for community management. We will provide an updated timeframe for opening applications after the Stage 2 consultation process has ended, and we have more clarity around these regulatory processes.”

Mr Kneebone thanked everyone who has provided feedback to date and encouraged all current water entitlement holders to participate in the second round of consultation.

“Your engagement with this process, and your feedback, will help us design a process that works effectively for everyone.”

Consultation opens on Friday 29 November 2024 and will close on Friday 31 January 2025.

More detail is available, including draft documents for review and how to provide feedback, on Tasmanian Irrigation’s website: https://www.tasmanianirrigation.com.au/community-management-of-schemes

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For more information, contact:

Samantha Meyer, General Manager Stakeholder Relations and Communications

samantha.meyer@tasirrigation.com.au 0438 210 468

About Tasmanian Irrigation

Tasmanian Irrigation exists to secure Tasmania’s agricultural prosperity and growth by ensuring access to water where and when it’s needed. We own, operate, design and develop irrigation schemes to deliver high-surety irrigation water to Tasmanian landowners.

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