Jo Palmer,
Water Sales for the 24,500-megalitre Tamar Irrigation Scheme officially launched today, marking another important step towards construction.
Open for the next six weeks, Water Sales for the $290 million Tamar infrastructure project will enable Tasmanian Irrigation to determine the exact demand from landowners.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government continues to invest in irrigation and water surety to support the State's booming agriculture sector.
I was delighted to join Tasmanian Irrigation CEO Andrew Kneebone, Tamar Irrigation Scheme project manager Josh Marshall, Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer and Hillwood Berries owner Robin Dornauf at the farm to launch the water sales process for the Scheme.
It is estimated the Tamar Irrigation Scheme, once completed in 2025/26, will generate approximately 411 full-time jobs and 205 indirect jobs, and provide an economic benefit to Tasmania of $589 million.
Under the Preferred Option Design, there will be 240kms of pipeline and five pump stations to service an area of 89,000 hectares spanning Westwood, Legana, Beaconsfield, Rowella, Hillwood, Pipers River, Lilydale and Pipers Brook.
Tasmanian Irrigation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kneebone said there had been a growing level of excitement and anticipation about the Tamar Irrigation Scheme, as landowners realised the economic benefits of high-surety irrigation water being delivered to their properties.
"Tasmanian Irrigation has seen record levels of interest for many of the Tranche Three irrigation projects now under development, particularly in the Tamar," Mr Kneebone said.
"We have farmers looking to double the area planted to berries, diversify into high-value fruit and vegetable crops, increase dairy production and boost stocking rates on the basis of reliable irrigation water."
Our Government continues to work with the Australian Government and local farming communities to deliver irrigation projects across the State.
Tranche Three projects rolling out include the Don, Northern Midlands, Sassafras Wesley Vale and the estimated $370 million South East scheme, which will be the biggest irrigation project in Tasmania's history, expected to deliver more than 40,000 megalitres annually, supporting a further estimated $150 million in on-farm investment, with the potential to create more than 2000 local jobs.
The Morrison and Rockliff Governments are also working closely to progress the development of a Business Case for an estimated $300 million Southern Midlands Irrigation scheme, which will deliver a similar economic benefit to the heart of Tasmania.
Water Sales will be open until June 6. Application forms can be downloaded at
www.tasmanianirrigation.com.au/schemes/tamar.
