Schemes supply the water of life

WHICHEVER way you look at it, farmers are the backbone of Tasmania’s economic and social fabric.

That’s why the development of the network of 18 irrigation schemes across the state over the past 15 years has been so important.

The Greater South East Irrigation Scheme will integrate the three existing (stage 1, 2 and 3) schemes in the south east of the state into a new, interconnected single scheme with a new water source to supply Stages 2 and 3.

Importantly, sourcing water directly from Lake Meadowbank in the Derwent Valley, will reduce reliance on expensive treated drinking water in the current schemes, as well as reducing the risk of salinity currently experienced in stage 1 during dry periods.

The proposed scheme will increase reliability of supply and support significant growth to one of the driest areas in the state.

And, according to modelling, it will deliver an expected net economic benefit of $291 million, as well as creating 225 construction jobs and 468 direct and indirect ongoing jobs. 

There are very serious implications for farmers in the South East if this scheme does not go ahead.

TasWater, who provide the majority of the water to the current schemes, have stated that a price rise from the current $200 per megalitre to $1,260 per megalitre is required by 2026.

Tasmanian Irrigation and TasWater have negotiated an extension for this price rise, however this is totally contingent on the proposed scheme receiving federal funding.

So if the scheme is not funded and built, it will result in an increase in water charges of more than 500 per cent. At this stage, it is expected that a federal election will be held in the first half of next year. At TasFarmers, we are going to be campaigning and lobbying very strongly for both major parties to commit to funding the $150 million federal share as part of their election policy suite for Tasmania.

At a state level, we have bipartisan support with both the Liberal Government and Labor Opposition strongly supporting it to be funded.

We want to see that bipartisan support matched with real dollars at a Federal level. 

Funding this irrigation scheme is our number one priority, and we believe should be the number one priority for Tasmania of whoever is elected to government at the next federal election.