Irrigation Schemes Grow Primary Industries and Regional Communities

Today is a very significant day for Tasmanian farmers, jobs and our economy.

“I welcome the Federal Government’s $60 million investment in Tasmanian irrigation,” Premier Will Hodgman said.

“Jobs are our number one priority and this investment will grow hundreds of jobs in our vital agriculture sector.

“We understand the importance of reliable water to our primary industries, which is why we have worked hard to secure this Federal funding.

“This investment in addition to $30 million the State Government has committed will go towards progressing five proposed tranche two irrigation schemes across our state.

“Irrigation development in Tasmania represents a genuine partnership with our farmers.”

“Together with their private sector involvement of around $27 million the overall capital investment in Tasmanian agriculture will exceed $115 million.”

The five proposed schemes include Scottsdale, Swan Valley, Southern Highlands, Circular Head and North Esk. These schemes are being actively pursued by the Government and developed by Tasmanian Irrigation.

“Irrigation is transforming Tasmanian agriculture, strengthening our regional communities and creating new jobs on farms and in country towns,” the Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jeremy Rockliff said.

“High reliability water means farmers can secure their existing enterprises and invest further with confidence.

“This will unlock huge opportunities in areas like dairy, wine, fruit, vegetables, poppies and new seed crops.

“The future is certainly looking bright for our primary industries with demand for our premium produce growing and free trade agreements with China and South Korea soon to come into play.

“Irrigation development is critical to achieving the Liberal Government’s vision of growing the farm gate value of Tasmania’s agricultural industries to $10 billion a year by 2050.”
Will Hodgman, Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water