Irrigation is transforming the landscape of agriculture in Tasmania, creating jobs and supporting regional communities.
Today marks a significant milestone in the development of the North Esk Irrigation Scheme, one of the five tranche two schemes being delivered with $117m in funding committed by the Federal Coalition, the Hodgman Liberal Government and Tasmania farmers.
Water sales for the North Esk Scheme closed just last week, and more than 40 land owners have shown interest in tapping into the benefits of 95 per cent reliable water.
The Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jeremy Rockliff said this was a vote of confidence.
“The strong support from farmers keen to tap into the North Esk Scheme means the scheme can progress to the next stage, with Tasmanian Irrigation to develop a Business Case for approval,” he said.
“Tasmania’s successful irrigation model relies on the support of farmers, and clearly farmers in the surrounding areas of the North Esk have the confidence to invest and expand.
“The North Esk Scheme will enable farmers in Evandale, Clarendon and White Hills region to access more than 2,800 mega-litres of reliable water from November through to March.
“With only about 14 per cent of the surrounding land currently irrigated, there is huge potential for expansion and the development of further high value viticulture and horticulture in the region.
“This will create jobs in the construction phase, and ongoing, sustainable work for generations to come.”
The Federal Member for Lyons Eric Hutchinson said the opportunities unlocked through irrigation would go hand-in-hand with other initiatives delivered by the Federal Liberal team.
“The Coalition has recognised that Tasmania’s agricultural sector is one of its greatest competitive strengths,” he said.
“That’s why we have worked hard to deliver outcomes that will secure and strengthen the sector, sustain and create jobs and support regional communities.
“Already, our $200 million investment in the expanded Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme is paying dividends, with the value of exports growing by more than eight per cent in the year to March.
“Free Trade Agreements with China, Japan and Korea signed by the Coalition have also opened new doorways into markets with a huge appetite for Tasmania’s safe and premium produce.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Tasmanian farmers to deliver a strong economy that will provide growth, jobs and a secure future.”
Contact for the Federal Member for Lyons Eric Hutchinson: Cassandre Tickner-Smith 0437 129 796
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water