TasFarmers steps up campaign for Federal funding for Greater South East Irrigation Scheme

TasFarmers has today stepped up its campaign for the Federal Government provide their $150 million share of funding for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme.

“The Greater South East Irrigation Scheme will be a game-changer for agriculture in our state,” TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said.

“It will provide water surety for farmers with an expected net benefit of $291 million, as well as creating 225 construction jobs and 468 direct and indirect ongoing jobs.

“The Tasmanian Government confirmed in the recent budget that their $75 million share of the project is available, and the $75 million irrigator contribution is also well underway.

“With the recent lodgment of the lodgementof a revised submission for the project, the ball is now firmly in the Federal Government’s court to stump up their share and facilitate the construction of this game-changing project.”

Owner and winemaker at Sisu Wines, Jake Sheedy, indicated his strong support for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme to be funded and built.

“The Coal River Valley is one of the best places in the world for wine, but the reality is that the region needs more water to fully realise its potential,” Mr Sheedy said.

“Sisu Wines is a great example of this. We chose to start Sisu here in the Coal River region because it has this extraordinary capacity for producing consistently great fruit.

“We’ve invested millions of dollars in planting 25 hectares of vines, we’re building our own wine making facilities and a cellar door too.

“We’ve literally taken a farm with less than one full time worker and we’re transforming it into a winery with around 20-plus local workers.

“We have plans to expand with the potential for a restaurant, another seven hectares of vines and bigger processing capacity too, but I’ve had to put all of that on hold because of this uncertainty around the Great South East Irrigation Scheme.

“When we first moved here, it was widely believed that the GSEIS was a sure thing, but sadly that’s not been the reality.

“But, I’m hopeful that we can see that investment unlocked and the potential of this region realised. It’s a no brainer in my books and worth the Federal Government’s investment.”

Mr Calman said that he was particularly concerned about the negative consequences of the Scheme not being funded.

“TasWater, who provide the majority of the water to the current schemes, have stated a price rise from the current $200 per megalitre to $1,260 per megalitre is required by 2026.

“If the new scheme is not approved, it will result in an increase in water charges to irrigators of more than 500 per cent.

“This would make almost every agricultural enterprise reliant on stages 2 and 3 water uneconomic for local farmers, resulting in the handback of water entitlements, and a collapse of the schemes and most related agricultural enterprises in the district.

“This would be an economic disaster for the state which can only be avoided by the commitment of funding by the Federal Government for the construction of the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme, and the new water source it will provide”, Mr Calman concluded.

Background

The Greater South East Irrigation Scheme will integrate the three existing (stage 1, 2 and 3) schemes in the south east into a new, interconnected single scheme with a new water source to supply the Stages 2 and 3.

It will service existing and additional demand around Gretna, Jordan River Valley, Brighton, Richmond, Dulcot, Cambridge, Colebrook, Campania, Tea Tree, Orielton, Pawleena, Penna, Sorell, Forcett, Elderslie and Broadmarsh.

The proposed scheme will increase reliability of supply and support significant growth to one of the driest areas in the State. In this area, the principal primary production focus is cherries, apples, salad vegetables, wine grapes, stone fruit, cereal crops, lucerne, walnuts and olives.

The Scheme will source water directly from Lake Meadowbank in the Derwent Valley, supplied by Hydro Tasmania.

The existing schemes source water from a combination of the Craigbourne Dam via the Coal River (stage 1) and through treated water supplied by TasWater from Bryn Estyn (stages 2 and 3), which is Hobart’s primary source of drinking water.

This Scheme is one of the third tranche of projects identified in the Pipeline to Prosperity Program. This program was added to Infrastructure Australia’s “priority initiatives” in 2019.

For comment please contact:

Grayson Genders, Manager Communications and Engagement
(Mob): 0407 863 111

About TasFarmers: TasFarmers (formerly known as Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association)  is the leading advocacy organisation for the agricultural industry in Tasmania. With a strong commitment to representing farmers' interests, TasFarmers works tirelessly to foster sustainable growth and development within the sector.