TasFarmers Welcomes Federal Funding for Greater South East Irrigation Scheme

The peak body for primary industry in Tasmania, TasFarmers, welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement of federal funding for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme.

TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman expressed that this funding commitment will instil significant confidence among Tasmanian farmers and producers, coming less than a week after Peter Dutton's visit to the region, where the Liberal National Coalition pledged its support for the scheme. 

"The Prime Minister’s announcement today solidifies bipartisan support for the scheme, following the Federal Liberal Party’s commitment to backing it in Lyons over the weekend," said Mr Calman. 

"This funding commitment will have a direct impact on farmers by improving accessibility, affordability, and sustainability. It provides certainty to farmers in the valley, which will enable them to proceed with infrastructure development and make significant capital investments." 
"Several producers had paused their on-farm infrastructure developments while awaiting full federal funding. Today’s announcement allows them to resume their expansion plans and prepares this region of Tasmania for future growth." 

"This readiness will lead to a substantial increase in productivity and shift focus toward higher-value crops that are suited to the region’s climatic conditions." 

Mr Calman further explained that farmers will be able to align with the proposed irrigation water and transition to farming practices focused on higher-value crops. Additionally, this will foster the development of more intensive enterprises, generating more jobs. 

"We know that with the Prime Minister’s backing of this scheme, it will create over 400 full-time ongoing jobs, in addition to the 200 construction jobs needed to build the scheme. This is a major positive development for agriculture in Tasmania." 

"Now, we urge that pre-construction activities begin as soon as possible so the scheme can be developed without delay. While the lack of funding in this year’s Federal Budget has caused some setbacks, we believe all parties should now work together to get the scheme back on track and implemented without further delay." 

TasFarmers extends its thanks to both the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader for their bipartisan support of this crucial issue. This collaboration demonstrates continued confidence in Tasmania's agricultural industry.