When Australia’s largest pineapple and leading mango grower decided to search for additional land to grow raspberries and strawberries, they looked to the south east of Tasmania. It ticked all their “not negotiable” boxes:

• access to secure irrigation water,
• a reliable workforce,
• a temperate climate for extended seasonal supply opportunities, and
• reduced biosecurity risks.

That’s why Orielton, located 10 kilometres north west of Sorell, was selected for an initial 40-hectare land purchase. It was quickly followed by a neighbouring 50 hectares to plant premium raspberry and strawberry varieties.

Gavin Scurr, Managing Director of Piñata Farms, whose father founded the company in southeast Queensland in 1964, is now keenly awaiting construction of the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme.

“Access to reliable water is absolutely key to the success of our operations,” Gavin said.

“The announcement that funding has been confirmed for the scheme is exciting and a relief. The scheme will address cost and reliability issues for farmers and meet the growing demand for new water in the region.”

Since 2018, polytunnels, a high-tech packing shed, dam and windbreaks have been constructed, and four full-time staff and 130 seasonal workers have been employed. Further plans are now underway for further expansion and innovation.

“We plan to expand our Tasmanian-based berry plantings to a total of 40 hectares by 2026, which will see our casual workforce grow to about 400, and our irrigation water requirements reach 180 megalitres.”

“The Greater South East Irrigation project is key to our expansion plans. It will provide reliable, fit-for-purpose irrigation water, enabling further investment and job creation.”

Gavin is Chair of the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA), Director of Berries Australia and a member of the Australian Climate Council.