Funding certainty gives green light for vital water to flow

Tasmanian Irrigation has welcomed this week’s funding commitment by the Australian Government for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme (GSEIS).

CEO Andrew Kneebone said the announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of a $150 million

capital contribution follows months of advocacy for the project by Tasmanian Irrigation, farmers, peak

bodies in Tasmania’s agricultural sector and the Tasmanian Government.

“It has been a great team Tasmania effort,” Mr Kneebone said. “There are 300-plus irrigators across

the scheme from Gretna to Campania to Forcett who are celebrating the funding certainty for this

landmark project.

“The Greater South East Irrigation Scheme is going to positively change the landscape, the state and

local economies and the future for these communities.

“It will integrate the three existing irrigation schemes in the region and bring more than 30,000 ML of

new water into the area - more than quadrupling the combined capacity of the existing schemes. That

will enable diversification of farming activity, and increase drought security and climate change

resilience in what is one of the driest areas of the State.

“The Scheme will not only bring water surety to farmers but deliver a net economic benefit of

$291 million to the State. In addition to that it will create 225 construction jobs and 468 direct and

indirect ongoing jobs.”

Mr Kneebone said funding certainty means work on the project would accelerate.

“This will be the 19th irrigation scheme that we have built, and the biggest in terms of kilometres of

pipeline – totalling 160 kilometres. In the New Year we will begin recruiting a project team of the size

and capability needed to deliver a scheme of that complexity.

“In addition to environmental studies already underway, we will soon begin work on detailed final

design of the scheme and work on environmental and other approvals. We expect to launch another

round of water sales in the New Year.”

Mr Kneebone thanked TasFarmers for its sustained advocacy for the Australian Government to fund

the project, supported by Fruit Growers Tasmania, the Coal River Products Association, Wine

Tasmania and individual farmers across the region.

Subject to State and Federal approval processes, the GSEIS is targeted to be operational by mid-2030.

The GSEIS is funded by the Australian Government ($150 million), the Tasmanian Government ($75

million), and Tasmanian irrigators through purchase of water entitlements ($75 million).