We’ve held a number of drop in days during the water sales period for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme (GSEIS), and there are some questions that come up often. We’ve provided answers here and if you have more questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the friendly project team.

More drop in days are being held during April – find out more here. Greater South East Irrigation Scheme Sales Drop In Days - Tasmanian Irrigation

Contact: Call (03)6398 8433 to make an appointment with a staff member, or email gseis@tasirrigation.com.au.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be certain that the scheme will go ahead?

The GSEIS has achieved full government funding based on the preferred option design and is proceeding. The current (second) round of water sales is offering the spare capacity of the scheme to give landowners every opportunity to be included before we lock in the detailed design and move forward through approvals and construction.

I need to move forward with my own on-farm planning, when will it be commissioned?

We expect the GSEIS will be commissioned in mid-2030.

Do I have to purchase now or will there be an option to purchase water entitlements after water sales close? What if I want to purchase water after the scheme is commissioned in June 2030?

The scheme's capacity is 18,600ML in summer with up to the same volume available in winter. Tasmanian Irrigation will continue to offer the spare capacity of the scheme until all water rights are taken up.

Some things to consider are:

• If you do not apply now, the project may not be constructed to include your property.
• Summer water rights typically sell quickly, and you may miss out if you do not apply now.
• As the scheme is designed to incorporate pipeline that currently forms part of the existing south east irrigation schemes, the ability to offer new summer water rights in some areas is limited. See the indicative zone capacity map.
• Once the GSEIS is fully subscribed, as most irrigation schemes around the State are, there may not be any water entitlements available for purchase.
• Currently you will be required to enter into a binding contract but only with a 2% deposit required. A further 8% will be required in approximately 2 years but the remining 90% will only be required upon commissioning of the scheme.

If you do want water, it’s important you apply before Water Sales close at 2pm on 17 April 2025.

I heard the scheme might not go past my place, so can I apply for water? Is it possible find out if I'll get water or not before I apply?

We are offering this second round of water sales to finalise the scheme footprint before we begin detailed design. We strongly encourage you to apply for water if you are within or close to the scheme area.

The only way to get a definitive answer on whether the scheme will be able to supply you is to put in an application, noting that the applications are binding. The 2% application deposit is low for this reason. You will be refunded in full if your application is not accepted.

The water sales offer includes one free connection point for landowners, to bring scheme water to your property boundary. If landowners purchase water after the scheme is built, they will need to cover the cost of connecting the scheme to their property.

Will the scheme flow rate allow me to do what I want to do, or what I've set up to do already?

Tasmanian Irrigation schemes are flow managed, making it as fair as possible for everyone. Each scheme is designed to meet the contracted requirements of landowners throughout each region.

All the water in the pipe belongs to someone, so if you are taking more than your fair share, then someone else misses out. The flow rate guarantees that you will get what you have purchased every time you turn on your valve.

It is very important that landowners consider their flow rate requirements, as well as the total volume of water they require.