LYONS WELCOMES IRRIGATION FUNDING

FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson has welcomed Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s announcement of a major government investment in Tasmania’s tranche two irrigation schemes.

Mr Hutchinson said that the $60 million announcement this morning was wonderful news for the electorate of Lyons where three of the five schemes proposed for tranche two are located.

“This will provide jobs, both full-time and indirect, across rural Tasmania where they are so desperately needed,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.

“It is also great news for farmers in both the North and South of the state who are looking for the magic ingredient – water – to expand and diversify.’’

The proposed schemes in Lyons in the tranche two roll-out will be on the North Esk, at Evandale where Mr Abbott made today’s announcement, the Southern Highlands scheme in the South and the Swan Valley scheme, near Swansea, on the East Coast.

“This is in line with everything this government said that it would do in terms of investing in Tasmania’s infrastructure whether it’s the Midland Highway or the Hobart Airport – everything is now underway,” he said.

“It is about allowing private business to do what it does best, to thrive and generate jobs to boost the local economy.

“It is about capitalising on our natural strengths in Tasmania – that is water and agriculture,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.
FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson