Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, has acknowledged the Prime Minister’s commitment to fund the Australian Government’s $150 million funding share of the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme, made today.
Minister Howlett said farmers across the State’s South East are relieved to hear the scheme will go ahead.
The commitment by the Federal Government comes two days after the Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton, promised to fund the Federal Government’s share of the vital irrigation project if elected.
“All year, I have been lobbying the Albanese Government to stump up the money for this vital irrigation project,” Minister Howlett said.
“With more water, our South East farmers will be able to grow their businesses and expand production, which has a positive effect on our economy and jobs growth.
“Our farmers can now breathe a sigh of relief that this project will go ahead, and I also sincerely thank the Federal Liberal candidate Susie Bower for her hard work fighting for this funding, and TasFarmers and Fruit Growers Tas for their strong advocacy.”
The $301 million project is part of the Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
The project will see an additional 37,000ML of affordable water made available to growers, which will help Tasmania to meet our ambitious target to grow the farmgate value of agriculture to $10 billion by 2050.
