The project was jointly funded by the Australian Government ($26.3 million), the Tasmanian Government ($14.8 million) and other partners ($13.3 million). Australian Government funding was provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
The Don Irrigation Scheme pipeline project has a strong focus on minimising environmental impacts. Image credit: Tasmanian Irrigation.
Project overview
The completed project is delivering essential water to farms across Tasmania’s north-west coast, with the capacity to deliver over 4,700 megalitres of high-quality water each year to irrigators across the Don, Forth, Barrington and Sheffield districts in northwest Tasmania. This will enable farmers to diversify, expand and increase crop rotations.
The infrastructure consists of:
• 2 balance tanks and one break-pressure tank to gravity feed the new irrigation distribution network
• 67 new property outlets
• 3 pump stations
The stations pump water to the tanks with distribution to the irrigators via a 54 km pipeline. Access to the pipeline over the 180-day irrigation season provides farmers the confidence to expand high-value agriculture such as vegetables, berries and dairy. Additionally, it helps to increase drought resilience, and continue to adapt to the changing climate and prepare for the drier, winter months.
The Don Irrigation Scheme is committed to environmental sustainability, with a strong focus on minimising and mitigating environmental impacts to protected fauna, flora and vegetation communities, as well as water ways, soil and biodiversity.
Use of scheme water is subject to the Farm Water Access Planning Framework. The framework is administered by Tasmanian Irrigation and establishes clear guidelines for irrigation water use to minimise potential impact on soil, biodiversity, and waterways.
The Don Irrigation Scheme is part of the Pipeline to Prosperity Tranche 3 Phase 1, which will see improved water security, drought resilience, agricultural productivity, and sustainable water use across Tasmania. Other projects include:
- Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation
- Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme
- Tamar Irrigation Scheme.
Construction of the Don Irrigation Scheme was completed in 2023 prior to the commencement of the 2023-24 growing season.
Key project benefits
Learn more
- Learn more about the National Water Grid Fund as our primary program for responsible investment in water projects.
- Find out about our Science Program and how it’s helping to inform the work of the National Water Grid Authority.
- For more information on the Don Irrigation Scheme visit Tasmanian Irrigation’s project.