The Tasmanian Government has welcomed the commitment from the Leader of the Opposition to fund the Australian Government’s share of the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme if elected to government next year.
The Greater South East Irrigation Scheme is essential to grow the supply of reliable and affordable agricultural water for the State and is an important part of the Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
Deputy Premier Guy Barnett said the Federal Labor Government has so far failed to commit to funding its share of the much-needed irrigation project.
“The $301 million Greater South East Irrigation Scheme has the capacity to deliver 37,000ML of water to an area with one of the lowest rainfalls in the State,” the Deputy Premier said.
“We were disappointed the Albanese Government did not fund this irrigation project in the 2024-25 Budget.
“This irrigation project will deliver a net economic benefit of $291 million to the State, and in the process create more than 400 direct and indirect ongoing jobs.
“The Tasmanian Government has committed to funding its share – $75 million – of this project and we welcome the Federal Opposition Leader’s commitment today.”
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme will be a game changer for the agricultural sector in the region.
“I have been very vocal about how important this is to our farmers,” Minister Howlett said.
“The Greater South East Irrigation Scheme will quadruple the water currently available to our farmers in the existing local irrigation schemes.
“Irrigation enables us to produce more food and fibre for domestic and export markets, and to meet our agrigrowth target of growing our farmgate value to $10 billion by 2050.
“TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman recently spoke out about how important this Scheme is, saying that water charges will increase by more than 500 per cent if it is not built.
“And FruitGrowers Tas said their growers would be forced to take drastic action and will ‘be left high and dry if the Federal Government doesn’t put its money where its mouth was’.
“Our farmers need this irrigation scheme and they need the Federal Government to fund its $150 million share – now.”
