David Skipper, Chief Operating Officer, Tasmanian Irrigation

It’s been another very busy irrigation season over the 2024/25 summer, and most schemes had the season extended by at least 30 days. When we have a look at conditions, it’s easy to understand why.

There’s been very little rainfall in late summer and autumn: the State has had the driest March since 2005, and the driest April in a decade.  The Bureau of Meteorology says most of the north-west experienced the lowest January to April rainfall levels since 1900. It’s also been very dry in the south east.

From the start of July 2024 to the end of April this year, Tasmanian Irrigation delivered 86, 213 megalitres of water to our customers across the state – that’s just slightly below last year’s record volume of water delivery.

We will all be watching for rain through winter and early spring to recharge soil moisture profiles and boost planted crops, as well as supporting dam refill.

Tasmanian Irrigation dams are generally in a good position at the end of the season, with Southernfield Dam (Bothwell) and Mill Creek Dam (Smithton) on a watching brief. These will require significant rain in the catchments and snow melt to fill them to the necessary level ahead of next season. Our dam storage dashboard is updated daily, and you can view it here.