Agricultural community backs funding proposal for GSE Irrigation Scheme

A REVISED bid to fund construction of the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme (GSEIS) submitted to the Federal Government this week has been met with praise from the agricultural community. 

Tas Irrigation and Tasmania’s peak farming body TasFarmers have welcomed the submission noting that it will be a great boost for Tasmanian agriculture creating 225 construction jobs and 468 direct and indirect ongoing jobs. 

TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said the ball was now “firmly in the Federal Government’s court to stump up their share and facilitate the construction of this game-changing project.”

He said the scheme would provide water surety for farmers. 

“The Tasmanian Government confirmed in the recent budget that their $75 million share of the project is available, and the $75 million irrigator contribution is also well under way.” 

Tas Irrigation Acting CEO David Skipper said the submission lodged by the State Government sets out a compelling case to co-fund the $301 million project. 

“The scheme will not only bring water surety to farmers but deliver a net economic benefit of $291 million to the state,” he said. 

Mr Skipper said the revised funding bid called for investment in a project that would deliver sustainable water solutions for the southeast of the state, with substantial economic, social and environmental benefits. 

“The scheme will integrate the three existing irrigation schemes in the region and bring more than 30,000ml of new water into the area— more than quadrupling the combined capacity of the existing schemes. 

That will enable diversification of farming activity, increase drought security and climate change resilience, and provide reliable, affordable water for farming.” 

Mr Skipper said the GSEIS would remove reliance on Hobart’s drinking water supply for a large proportion of southeast irrigators.

“Irrigators on the existing Stages Two and Three are supplied with fully treated drinking water from TasWater. 

This reliance has been a long-held concern for landowners due to the rising cost of the water, competing pressures for supply and uncertainty of supply during dry seasons,” he said. 

Primary Industries and Water Minister Jane Howlett said the State Government was absolutely committed to funding the $75 million share of the irrigation project which would deliver reliable water supply into what is traditionally one of the driest areas of the state. 

“We need to grow our supply of reliable, affordable agricultural water through irrigation schemes like this,” Ms Howlett said 

“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.” 

The agricultural sector will now await an outcome from the Australian Government’s consideration of the revised funding.