Tamar Valley farmers are being encouraged to contractually apply for Tamar Irrigation Scheme water entitlements as part of the threshold needed by Tasmanian Irrigation to secure State and Federal Government funding.
The $290 million and 24,500ML Tamar Irrigation Scheme opened with water sales for the next six weeks, allowing Tasmanian Irrigation to view actual demand from landowners.
If water sales hit the predetermined threshold, Tasmanian Irrigation will then develop a business plan to be submitted to the Tasmanian and Australian Governments to secure funding for the scheme. The project will then progress to detailed design, permits and approvals before commencing construction, forecast for late 2023.
The Tamar Irrigation Scheme Preferred Option Design incorporates 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.
“It is estimated that 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,” Mr Kneebone said.
Mr Kneebone thanked the Tasmanian and Australian Governments for their ongoing commitment to the development of new irrigation schemes in the state, as well as landowners for their financial contribution as part of the unique public/private funding model.
“This Government and landowner partnership continues to deliver game-changing infrastructure and opportunities for Tasmanian farmers, ensuring we can help meet the Tasmanian Government’s target of increasing the farmgate value of the State’s agricultural sector to $10 billion by 2050,” Mr Kneebone said.
Tamar Irrigation Scheme Water Sales close at 2pm 3 June 2022.
Application forms can be downloaded from the Tamar Scheme page.
