Media release – Jane Howlett, Minister for Primary Industries and Water, 16 October 2024

Minister Plibersek: Please fund the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme now

The Tasmanian Government is calling on Federal Water Minister, Tanya Plibersek, to commit to the Australian Government’s $150 million co-funding share for the $301 million Greater South East Irrigation Scheme.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the Tasmanian Government was committed to funding its $75 million share of this irrigation project which will deliver reliable water supply into what is traditionally one of the driest areas of the state.

“It would be fantastic for Federal Water Minister, Tanya Plibersek, to make this commitment today, while visiting Tasmania,” Minister Howlett said.

She said Tasmania’s agriculture sector was looking forward to the huge benefits the scheme would unlock.

“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we need to grow our supply of reliable, affordable agricultural water through irrigation schemes like this, so that we can produce more food and fibre for domestic and export markets,” Minister Howlett said.

“We need the Australian Government to commit its share of the project funding.

“Many farmers have told me how much they are looking forward to this vital project being built and how important it will be for their future business plans.

“And the CEO of TasFarmers, Nathan Calman, has also recently spoken out about how important this scheme is and that it must be funded.”

The Greater South East Irrigation Scheme has the capacity to deliver more than 37,000 ML of irrigation water in what’s traditionally been one of Tasmania’s lowest rainfall areas.

Minister Howlett said the Tasmanian Government, with Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd, looked forward to working with the Australian Government to bring this vital irrigation scheme to life as soon as possible.