Construction funding confirmed for two Tasmanian irrigation projects
The Australian Government has committed more than $170 million in funding for the construction of two important projects in Tasmania.
- Northern Midlands Irrigation scheme: $109 million toward construction of the $218 million project. Construction expected to begin in late 2023.
- Sassafras-Wesley Vale Irrigation scheme augmentation: $62.1 million toward construction of the $124.2 million project. Construction expected to begin in early 2024.
Both projects have been expanded to maximise water delivery and opportunities to irrigate land in the Northern Midlands, Sassafras, and Wesley Vale regions. This will improve water security benefits for local farmers.
The completed projects are expected to provide more than 40 gigalitres of extra water per year. This will strengthen year round water access now and into the future. They will also make almost 15,000 more hectares of land available for irrigation.
These benefits will bring a $53.6 million boost to the Tasmanian economy every year and $184 million in increased farming revenue.
The projects will also support more than 150 construction jobs and almost 450 ongoing jobs.
The projects are jointly funded by the Australian Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, and the Tasmanian Government. They will be delivered in partnership with Tasmania Irrigation. Read more about these important water security projects on the project webpages: