Tasmania’s farmers are elated that the Midlands Water Scheme is to go ahead with the announcement todaythat tenders have been awarded and construction is about to start on the $104 million scheme.
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said today it would be the largest irrigation project in the state’s history. It would secure a sound future for one of Tasmania’s most important agricultural corridors, from Longford to Kempton.
“Investors, including many of our midland farmers, have put their money where their mouth is,” she said.
“We know that what has been achieved in the Coal River valley is also possible here.”
Ms Davis said it was further evidence that the state’s agricultural sector, working in partnership with Tasmanian Irrigation, would drive the economy through what otherwise would have been uncertain days ahead.
“Surety of water in the midlands will see new horticultural and livestock enterprises,” Ms Davis said. “It will see lateral thinking applied to farming in the corridor. It will mark the rebirth of once-vibrant communities.”
