Statements
TFGA welcomes flow of water to the north-west
The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) today welcomed the official opening of the $14.4 million Dial Blythe Irrigation Scheme that brings water security to some of Tasmania’s most fertile farmland between South Riana and Penguin.
TFGA president Wayne Johnston said local farmers had again backed a scheme using their own hard-earned money, this time more than 40 of them outlaying $3.4 million to buy water entitlements as well as their own costs for distributing the water on their land.
“Water from the scheme will be of particular benefit for growers of pyrethrum, poppies, blueberries and raspberries, potatoes, carrots, onions, broccoli, peas, beans and dairy as well as market gardens,” Mr Johnston said.
“This has significant economic implications for the north-west and for the wider Tasmanian economy.
“It makes a lot of difference to farming when you can be 95 per cent certain of having water,” he said.
TFGA president Wayne Johnston