The Tasmanian Government has lodged a revised bid for funding with the Albanese Government for the $301 million Greater South East Irrigation Scheme.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said Tasmania's agriculture sector was looking forward to the huge benefits the scheme would realise, to be delivered by Tasmanian Irrigation.
"We are absolutely committed to funding our $75 million share of this irrigation project which will deliver reliable water supply into what is traditionally one of the driest areas of the State," Minister Howlett said.
"We need to grow our supply of reliable, affordable agricultural water through irrigation schemes like this, so that we can produce more food and fibre for domestic and export markets.
"Many farmers have told me how much they are looking forward to this vital project being built and how important it will be for their future business plans.
"This week, I again wrote to Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek and requested the Australian Government's $150 million co-funding support for the scheme as soon as possible, given its strong business case."
The Greater South East Irrigation Scheme has the capacity to deliver more than 37,000 ML of irrigation water in what's traditionally been one of the lowest rainfall areas of the State.
It has the capacity to trigger approximately $120 million of on-farm investment, as well as a $98.7 million boost in the State's farmgate value.
"The Government, through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, will continue to invest and support our farmers and producers to create valuable jobs and build the growth of the sector," Minister Howlett said.
Tasmanian Irrigation Acting CEO David Skipper said the revised submission put forward a compelling case to co-fund the project.
"The Scheme will not only bring water surety to farmers but deliver a net economic benefit of
$291 million to the State. It will also create 225 construction jobs and 468 direct and indirect ongoing jobs," he said.
"An important benefit to be delivered by the Scheme is the release of a significant quantity of water back to the drinking water supply for the greater Hobart region.
"Farmers have also demonstrated their commitment to the Scheme, with their share of the capital cost of the project contributed through contracting to buy water entitlements on the Scheme."
Minister Howlett said the Tasmanian Government now looked forward to working with the Australian Government to bring this vital irrigation scheme to life as soon as possible with a positive consideration of the revised funding submission.
