Construction has begun on a major irrigation expansion in northwest Tasmania, expected to almost triple water availability for farmers in the Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation District.
The augmentation project will deliver up to an additional 9.2 gigalitres of water each year. Once complete, the total annual supply to the district is forecast to reach 14.9GL, significantly increasing reliability during the peak irrigation season from November to March.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund, the Tasmanian Government, and landholders through water entitlement purchases. Combined public and private investment totals more than $124 million.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the investment reflects the importance of water security to agricultural productivity.
“We know how critical water is for farming, that’s why the Albanese Government has committed more than $60 million towards this important irrigation project for Tasmania,” Minister Watt said. “We’re pleased to see this project surge ahead, with construction now underway that will deliver almost triple the amount of water available to farmers in Tasmania’s northwest once it’s completed.”
- Want more information on what Inside Water is up to? Sign up for our weekly email, landing in inboxes with the latest news.
- Do you want the magazine delivered to your letterbox? Sign up here to subscribe.
Expanding network capacity
The augmentation includes more than 100 kilometres of new and refurbished pipeline infrastructure and the construction of two pump stations. Water will be sourced from the Great Bend pump station on the Mersey River, with supplementary supply from Hydro Tasmania’s Parangana Dam.
Communities expected to benefit include Sassafras, Harford, Thirlstane, Moriarty, Wesley Vale, Northdown, Pardoe and East Devonport.
Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water Gavin Pearce described the scheme as a significant development for the region’s agricultural base.
“The Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme will be transformative, serving as a key enabler for farmers across the region,” Minister Pearce said.
“We know just how vital water security is for our farmers, which is why our Government invested $31.05 million in this Scheme.
“Our irrigation schemes around the state delivered a record amount of water throughout January, highlighting the importance and need for these projects.”
Reliability through summer
For irrigators in the northwest, summer reliability remains a central issue, particularly in years with below-average rainfall. The increased allocation is intended to provide greater certainty for cropping decisions, on-farm investment and diversification.
Federal Member for Braddon Anne Urquhart said the expansion builds on Tasmania’s established irrigation program.
“We’re proud to continue delivering the infrastructure that farmers and regional communities depend on now and for generations to come,” Urquhart said. “From Sassafras to East Devonport, this investment will support farmers through the critical summer irrigation season and ensure water reliability for decades to come. This is exactly the kind of nation-building infrastructure that delivers real benefits to Tasmanian communities.”
Construction is scheduled for completion in 2027. Once operational, the augmented scheme will provide a step change in storage-backed supply for one of Tasmania’s key agricultural regions.