Tasmanian Irrigation has welcomed confirmation that a revised bid to fund construction of the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme (GSEIS) has been submitted to the Australian Government.

Acting Chief Executive Officer David Skipper said the revised submission, lodged by the Tasmanian Government this week, 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. In addition to that it will create 225 construction jobs and 468 direct and indirect ongoing jobs,” he said.

“The Scheme will integrate the three existing irrigation schemes in the region and bring more than 30,000 ML 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.

“The revised funding bid calls for investment in a project that will deliver sustainable water solutions for the South East of the State, with substantial economic, social and environmental benefits.”

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

“An important benefit to be delivered by the Scheme is the release of a significant quantity of water back to the drinking water supply for the greater Hobart region.”

Mr Skipper said the Tasmanian Government has made it clear in this month’s State Budget that its funding commitment to the project is firm.

“Farmers have also demonstrated their commitment to the Scheme, with their share of the capital cost of the project contributed through contracting to buy water entitlements on the Scheme.

“Tasmanian Irrigation looks forward to a positive outcome from the Australian Government’s consideration of the revised funding bid.”

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For more information, contact:

Samantha Meyer, Manager Stakeholder Relations and Communications

samantha.meyer@tasirrigation.com.au 0438 210 468