Jo Palmer,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
Water sales for the Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme have officially opened, marking a significant milestone for farmers in the Sassafras, Harford, Thirlstane, Moriarty, Wesley Vale, Northdown, Pardoe and East Devonport areas in North West Tasmania.
This joint Australian and Tasmanian government partnership with local farmers has the potential to deliver game-changing infrastructure across the region, empowering local farmers to secure supply contracts, expand high-value crop plantations, increase rotations, boost yields, and diversify into new enterprises, such as wine grapes, leafy-green vegetables and berries.
The Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation could more than double the amount of high-surety irrigation water delivered to farmers in the productive North-West Tasmanian region, create an estimated 120 jobs and underpin $28.3 million in on-farm investment.
This project will add an additional 8,026 ML to the existing 5660ML, increasing the scheme to a total of 13,686 ML (91 ML/day).
I was delighted to join Tasmanian Irrigation CEO Andrew Kneebone and Charlton Farm Produce owner David Addison to launch the water sales process for the Scheme.
Tasmania is leading the nation in delivering vital irrigation infrastructure, with 15 of the last 19 irrigation schemes completed across the country, located right here in Tasmania.
Our Government continues to work with the Australian Government and local farming communities to deliver irrigation projects and support the State’s booming agriculture sector.
