The Rockliff Liberal Government is investing in reliable irrigation water to give our farmers the confidence and security they need to meet the growing demand for Tasmania’s premium produce.
The Tasmanian Government welcomes the Federal Government’s $170 million combined commitment for the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme and the Sassafras-Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme.
This funding complements the $103.3 million already committed by the Tasmanian Government for the construction of both schemes.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jo Palmer, said these vital irrigation projects are a true partnership between the Tasmanian Government, the Australian Government and landowners.
“Irrigation is transforming Tasmanian agriculture, creating jobs and expanding farm production and boosting farm resilience in a changing climate,” Minister Palmer said.
“The expansion of sustainable irrigated agriculture is a key element of Tasmania’s Agri-Food Plan and target to sustainably grow the value of agriculture to $10 billion by 2050.
“Across Tasmania there are so many examples of farmers who have diversified from traditional grazing to high-value horticultural crops after being given the opportunity to access water from one of Tasmanian Irrigation’s 18 operational schemes around Tasmania.
The Rockliff Liberal Government will continue to work with the Australian Government and landowners to deliver irrigation infrastructure that is the envy of the nation.
The Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme is due for completion in 2025 and Sassafras-Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation is due for completion in 2026.
