The scheme is proposed to be situated across the Central Highlands and Southern Midlands local government areas and also has potential to support irrigation activities in the Brighton local government area.
The region proposed for the Southern Midlands scheme covers a large number of agricultural properties involved in a range of undertakings, from livestock to broadacre cropping to wool and a small amount of dairy, fruit and wine grapes. The construction of a dedicated irrigation scheme would increase the area of land able to be irrigated and support changes in agricultural activity to high value commodities, also supporting trading and movement of water between properties.
Demand for a 31,500 ML summer season was indicated through an initial Expressions of Interest process held in March 2018.
A concept design for the scheme has been developed, based on sourcing water from Hydro Tasmania's Upper Derwent catchment, and supplying through the Bothwell region.
Work on this scheme has been deferred while more advanced Tranche Three projects are progressed. Work on the Southern Midlands scheme will recommence once other projects are sufficiently advanced.