Tamar Irrigation Scheme Another Step Closer

The Preferred Option Design for one of Tasmania’s largest ever irrigation projects – set to deliver 24,500 megalitres of high-surety irrigation water to the Tamar Valley – has been launched today.

The $290 million Tamar Irrigation Scheme will incorporate 240kms of pipeline and five pump stations to service an area of 89,000 hectares spanning Westwood, Legana, Beaconsfield, Rowella, Hillwood, Pipers River, Lilydale and Pipers Brook.

It is expected that the scheme, once completed in 2025/26, will generate approximately 411 full-time jobs and 205 indirect jobs, and provide an economic benefit to Tasmania of $589 million.

Tasmanian Irrigation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kneebone said this project was first envisioned to be an 8,000 megalitre scheme.

“Tasmanian Irrigation has worked closely with the Tamar Irrigator Representative Committee and Tamar Valley landowners to design a scheme that meets the growing demand for this reliable and fit-for-purpose water,” Mr Kneebone said.

“Additional Expressions of Interest have been received during the extensive consultation and education phases, with many landowners planning new agricultural businesses or expanding existing operations across dairy, broadacre crops, livestock, seed crops, stone fruit, berries and wine grapes.

“Tasmanian Irrigation looks forward to receiving feedback from landowners about this Preferred Option Design before we progress to Water Sales in May, when landowners will have an opportunity to contractually apply for Water Entitlements.”

The Tamar Preferred Option Design is based on delivering a peak flow rate of 137 megalitres per day for a 180-day delivery period over summer, with a water entitlement price proposed at $2,450 per megalitre. Winter water will also be available at $1,450 per megalitre.

Water will be sourced from the Trevallyn Dam, which is filled via the South Esk River catchment, one of Tasmania’s largest catchment areas. Tasmanian Irrigation’s water requirements will be 137 megalitres per day during the summer months and 55 megalitres per day during winter, out of the total dam capacity of 11,000 megalitres.

Tasmanian Irrigation invited all landowners to attend the two irrigator meetings to learn more and provide feedback about the Tamar Irrigation Scheme Preferred Option Design.

More information about the Preferred Option Design can be downloaded from www.tasmanianirrigation.com.au/schemes/tamar