Double time on Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme milestones

Tasmania’s Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme project has now reached not one, but two key milestones - bringing 25.5 billion litres of water one step closer to local farms.

More than 100 kilometres of pipeline, around two-thirds of its total, is now in the ground. This pipeline will deliver water to nearly 9,000 hectares of farmland.

In addition, key infrastructure works at the Poatina Buffer Dam have also been completed. The dam will ensure a reliable water supply to the region, even when the supporting power station operates below full capacity.

This landmark $218 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, with additional support from Northern Midlands irrigators.

With the scheme due to deliver water for the 2026 summer irrigation season, this progress is providing local irrigators with the confidence they need to carry on planning for their future.

By guaranteeing water for the future, these irrigators can continue to deliver a variety of food crops for all Australians to enjoy.

A range of flow-on benefits will also become possible, with many local farms already planning to expand their businesses, sign new crop and livestock contracts and employ more workers.

Meanwhile, during construction, the project continues to invest in Tasmania, through the creation of approximately 150 jobs and engaging local manufacturing and product suppliers. This truly is a project designed in Tasmania, for Tasmania.

Works at the Poatina and Valleyfield pump stations are also advancing, with the complementary works for their balance tanks continuing early next year.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
“The Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme is powering ahead, delivering local jobs in the short term for construction, and the long-term on the land.

“We’re pleased to be helping to secure long term water supply for Tasmanian farmers, with $108 million invested by the Albanese Government through the National Water Grid to bring this program to life.”

Quotes attributable to the Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce:
“The Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme is a transformative project for farmers in the region.

“We’ve invested more than $72 million in this project, highlighting our ongoing commitment to deliver the water security our farmers need to invest and grow.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lyons, Rebecca White:
“Tassie farmers play a mighty role in supporting the nation, so it’s fantastic that they’ll benefit from this transformative project.

"Water security allows farmers to have confidence to plan year to year with the certainty one of the key ingredients needed, water, can be reliably delivered.

Quotes attributable to Mark Shelton MP:
“This project will be a gamechanger for our world-class farmers across the Northern Midlands.

“I’ve been proud to watch this project progress and look forward to seeing the benefits flowing through our regional communities in late 2026.”