Sisu Wines owner urges federal support for SE irrigation scheme

Owner and wine maker at Sisu Wines in the Coal River Valley Jake Sheedy said he was “devastated” when he first found out there was no funding in the budget for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme (GSEIS).

Having purchased the 95-hectare property over three years ago with the expectation that the irrigation scheme would go ahead, Mr. Sheedy expressed his disappointment over the knock-back from the federal government when it was announced the scheme would not receive any of the anticipated funding.

He said his business had invested millions in planting 25ha of vines and constructing their winemaking facilities and cellar door with confidence that irrigation would soon be available in the region.

Expansion plans—including a restaurant, an additional seven hectares of vines, and increased processing capacity have now been put on hold due to uncertainties surrounding the GSEIS.

Mr Sheedy shared the importance of the GSEIS going ahead for not only his winery but also the local economy.

“The Coal River Valley is one of the best places in the world for wine, but the reality is that the region needs more water to fully realise its potential,” Mr Sheedy said. 

He said there was great potential for growth in the region but that all weighs on the availability of water.

“Theres a lot of anxiety in the region, there’s a lot of people like us that are sitting on land that would be fantastic horticulture or viticulture country but they’re holding off until they know what they can do.”

“I can’t stress enough that it’s not just the amount of water it’s also the quality of the water and the reliability of it.”

“I’m hopeful that we can see that investment unlocked and the potential of this region realised. It’s a no brainer in my books and worth the Federal Government’s investment,” Mr Sheedy said. 

TasFarmers is now ramping up its campaign urging the Federal Government to contribute its $150 million share for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme (GSEIS).

Speaking at the Sisu Wines construction site in the Coal River Valley, TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman highlighted the transformative potential of the GSEIS for agriculture in Tasmania, declaring it their top priority ahead of the upcoming federal election. 

“It will provide water surety for farmers with an expected net benefit of $291 million, as well as creating 225 construction jobs and 468 direct and indirect ongoing jobs,” he said.

“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 underway.

“With the recent lodgement of the Business Case, the ball is now firmly in the Federal Government’s court to stump up their share and facilitate the construction of this game-changing project,” Mr Calman said.

Mr. Calman expressed his concern about the negative consequences if the scheme is not funded. 

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

“If the new scheme is not approved, it will result in an increase in water charges to irrigators of more than 500 per cent.

“This would make almost every agricultural enterprise reliant on stages 2 and 3 water uneconomic for local farmers, resulting in the handback of water entitlements, and a collapse of the schemes and most related agricultural enterprises in the district.

“This would be an economic disaster for the state which can only be avoided by the commitment of funding by the Federal Government for the construction of the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme, and the new water source it will provide”, Mr Calman concluded.