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Tasmanian water set to flow with irrigation scheme

Tasmania’s irrigation capacity is set to double once a partially-funded government project is completed.

The first part of the project will add 80,000 megalitres of water per year to the state’s irrigation capacity before ultimately doubling the state’s current capability of 133,314 megalitres.

Known as Tranche Three, the program has been funded by the Tasmanian and Federal governments, plus Tasmanian farmers, and designed by Tasmanian Irrigation along with private companies GHD and Pinion Advisory.

It involves 10 schemes, five of which have confirmed funding, and will help improve the efficiency of water distribution for Tasmanian farmers.

The five confirmed projects are Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme, Fingal Irrigation Scheme, South East Integration Project, Tamar Irrigation Scheme and Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation.

In the partnership, GHD and Pinion Advisory will design the infrastructure needed, including pipelines, tanks, dams and pump stations, plus provide technical support.


Tasmania’s irrigation will get a major boost once Tranche Three projects are completed

GHD design manager Brad Davie says the project will “create lasting community benefit” by providing better access to water for farmers.

“These schemes will ultimately unlock water for the State and help farmers meet the growing on-farm production demand, so we are thrilled to be able to bring our skills together in this multi-year partnership and strategically design the schemes to do just this,” he says.

Tasmanian Irrigation CEO Andrew Kneebone says the partnership with GHD and Pinion Advisory will draw on the strengths of both companies, simplify procedures and reduce duplication.

“Design specifications have been standardised for engineering, hydraulics, electrical plans, pumps, pipelines and dams, leading to a more consistent system control and data acquisition, as well as assisting with water delivery and asset management operations,” he says.

Tranches One and Two have previously been completed by Tasmanian Irrigation, with a combined value of about $500 million.

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