Work is well underway on the $32 million Duck Irrigation Scheme which will deliver 5200 ML of high security irrigation water to Tasmania’s Circular Head region.
The scheme, which is due to open later this year, will service pasture and cropping land around the townships of Montagu, Stanley, Forest, Edith Creek and Irishtown with direct economic benefits flowing to the larger community of Smithton.
This important infrastructure project has been funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments with investment from local farmers and will involve construction of a 6000 ML dam at Mill Creek and two new pump stations which will distribute the water to this rich dairy and vegetable production region.
This water security will give farmers the confidence to further invest in their farms and chase high-value contracts which are essential to growing our agricultural sector and creating jobs in regional Tasmania.
Expanding the state-wide irrigation network is a key part of the Hodgman Liberal Government’s AgriFood Plan 2018-2023 which supports our vision to grow the value of agriculture to $10 billion by 2050.
Tasmanian Irrigation has also begun work on another Tranche 2 project, the $57.3 million Scottsdale Irrigation Scheme, which will turbo-charge agricultural production in North-East Tasmania. The Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme is operational, construction of the Swan Valley Irrigation Scheme is complete and work is well underway on the North Esk Scheme.
Farmers are genuine partners in these nation-leading irrigation schemes by investing with Government in the capital works and additional on-farm infrastructure like dams, pipes and centre-pivots or drippers.
These innovative schemes are further unlocking Tasmania’s potential as a primary production powerhouse at a time when our produce is in huge demand nationally and internationally.
Additionally, the Hodgman Liberal Government has committed a further $70 million for Tranche 3 irrigation schemes, known as the Pipeline to Prosperity Program, which aims to deliver a further 50,000 ML, which represents a 50 per cent increase in water currently available under the current Tasmanian irrigation schemes.
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