Work has begun on the $32 million Duck Irrigation Scheme which will deliver 5200 ML of high security irrigation water to Tasmania’s Circular Head region.
The scheme, which is due to open late 2018, will service pasture and cropping land around the townships of Montagu, Stanley, Forest, Edith Creek and Irishtown with direct economic benefits flowing to the larger community of Smithton.
The infrastructure project has been funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments with investment from local farmers, and will involve construction of a 6000 ML dam at Mill Creek and two new pump stations which will distribute the water to the dairy and vegetable production region.
This water security should give farmers the confidence to further invest in their farms and chase high-value contracts which are essential to growing the agricultural sector and creating jobs in regional Tasmania.
Tasmanian Irrigation has also begun work on another Tranche 2 project, the $57.3 million Scottsdale Irrigation Scheme, which will turbocharge agricultural production in North-East Tasmania. The Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme is operational, construction of the Swan Valley Irrigation Scheme is complete and work is well underway on the North Esk Scheme.
Farmers are genuine partners in these irrigation schemes by investing with Government in the capital works and additional on-farm infrastructure like dams, pipes and centre-pivots or drippers.
The Tasmanian Government has also committed $70 million for Tranche 3 irrigation schemes, known as the Pipeline to Prosperity Program, which aims to deliver a further 50,000 ML, representing a 50 per cent increase in water currently available under the current Tasmanian irrigation schemes.
