24 September 2024

Jane Howlett, Minister for Primary Industries and Water

The Tasmanian Government has released the Rural Water Use Strategy Progress Report for 2024, highlighting the work being done in collaboration with various water management agencies.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the Government remains committed to ensuring the sustainable management of freshwater resources, which are essential to the State's economy, environment and communities.

“The Progress Report details significant advancements made during the 2023-24 period in implementing the Strategy,” Minister Howlett said.

Key achievements include:

  • completion of the review of Tasmania’s water accountability framework and commencement of stakeholder engagement to implement the findings from the review;
  • development of a 3D geological model to better understand the groundwater resource in the Smithton Syncline groundwater area, North West Tasmania;
  • commencement of a new initiative to undertake groundwater investigations and develop water security strategies for King and Flinders Islands;
  • commencement of a review of Tasmania’s Water Management Planning Framework; and
  • delivery of the Water Miscellaneous Amendments (Delegation and Industrial Water Supply) Act 2023.


“To further support the Strategy's objectives, the Tasmanian Government is investing an additional $1 million in the 2023-24 State Budget, and has secured $5.9 million in funding from the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund to undertake urban water infrastructure projects and update water management information so that it reflects the future impacts of climate change,” Minister Howlett said.

“Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, the Tasmanian Government will continue to progress our irrigation agenda by providing water where it is needed so farmers can invest with confidence to grow higher value crops and enter long-term supply contracts.

“The Rural Water Use Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for the future of water management in Tasmania.

“It aims to ensure integrated, fair and efficient regulation of water resources, delivering sustainable outcomes for rural water users, communities and the environment, while maintaining Tasmania's competitive edge in the face of climate change.”

For more information and to view the 2024 Progress Report visit nre.tas.gov.au/rural-water.