A new irrigation augmentation program for north-west Tasmania is set to generate an additional 9.2 gigalitres (GL) of water for local farmers.

This will almost triple current water supply, bringing the total to 14.9GL, with flows sourced at the Great Bend pump station on the Mersey River. Back-up supply will come from Hydro Tasmania’s Parangana Dam, ensuring farmers have water access even during dry times.

More than 100km of new and upgraded pipelines will be installed as part of the Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation project, alongside two pump stations, one balance tank and 70 water outlets for farms.

“The Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme will be transformative, serving as a key enabler for farmers across the region,” Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water Gavin Pearce said.

“Our irrigation schemes around the state delivered a record amount of water throughout January, highlighting the importance and need for these projects.”

At least 100 irrigators are set to benefit from the scheme, with 210 jobs expected to be created as well as 60 during construction, which is expected to be completed by mid-to-late 2027. Water will flow to farmers in Sassafras, Harford, Thirlstane, Moriarty, Wesley Vale and Northdown.

Tasmania is keen to unlock farming in north-west Tasmania en route to its goal of achieving $10 billion in annual agriculture value by 2050.

The Federal Government is funding $62.1 million of the project through the National Water Grid Fund, with the Tasmanian Government contributing $31.05 million – a figure that will be matched by landowners through the sale of water entitlements.

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