Liberal and National Party governments continue to deliver on Tasmanian water infrastructure
21 February 2017
Tasmanian Government: Work is commencing on Tasmania’s new Duck Irrigation Scheme, delivering greater water security to irrigators in the region.
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The Coalition and Tasmanian Governments will work with local irrigators to fund the $30 million project, which will deliver 5200ML of high security irrigation water to Tasmania’s Circular Head region.
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Tasmanian Irrigation schemes are a public–private model where projects works are funded jointly by the Australian and Tasmanian governments and farmers.
Work has commenced on a $30
million irrigation project in Circular Head, to deliver greater water
security to irrigators in the region and support agricultural
productivity, investment and growth.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources,
Barnaby Joyce, Tasmanian Deputy Premier and Minister for Primary
Industries and Water, Jeremy Rockliff, and Tasmanian Senator Jonathon
Duniam said the Duck Irrigation Scheme is on track for delivery, with
the Coalition and Tasmanian Governments signing off on the project over
the Christmas break.
“Day after day, the Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment
to build the water security needed for economic growth, strong regional
communities, and expansion of our agricultural industries right across
the country,” Minister Joyce said.
“The Duck Irrigation Scheme will deliver 5200ML of high security
irrigation water to the Circular Head Region, providing irrigators with
reliable access to water to support dairy production, as well as
production of crops like potatoes, onions and carrots.
“We are pleased to contribute $15.8 million to the Duck Irrigation
Scheme and I commend the local irrigators who, with the Tasmanian
Government, are co-investing over $14 million in the project.”
Minister Rockliff said the new scheme would help support economic growth
and jobs in Tasmania’s north-west region.
“This important infrastructure project will involve construction of a 6
GL
dam at Mill Creek, two new pump stations and pipeline to distribute
water to farmers in the lrishtown, Mella, Forrest and Smithton
districts,” Minister Rockliff said.
``Expanding the state-wide irrigation network is a key part of the
Tasmanian Government’s Sustainable AgriFood Plan and our vision to grow
the value of our agricultural industry 10-fold to $10 billion by 2050.
``We know that water security improves farmer’s bottom-lines and gives
confidence to invest on-farm and chase new markets and this is essential
as tariffs into Asia ease and new markets are established.”
Senator Jonathon Duniam, who represented the Coalition Government at
today’s official launch in Forest, said the Duck Irrigation Scheme is
part of the Coalition’s $60 million commitment to Tasmanian Irrigation
Tranche II projects, which also included $25 million for the Swan Valley
and Southern Highlands Irrigation Schemes.
“With the right infrastructure in the right place, Tasmania could be a
real powerhouse for irrigated agricultural production. The irrigation
schemes delivered so far have unlocked real potential in Tasmania’s
primary production and we are already seeing the benefits of these
investments,” Senator Duniam said.
“There is room for further growth and the Coalition Government has
committed $1.78 million towards a $2.5 million project with Tasmanian
Irrigation to fast-track a feasibility study into potential new areas
for developing irrigation schemes in Tasmania.”
For more information on Coalition Government funding for more modern and
efficient water infrastructure in Tasmania, visit
agriculture.gov.au/water/national/tasmania
For information on Tasmanian Irrigation, visit
www.tasmanianirrigation.com.au
Fast Facts
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Dairy is the most valuable agricultural commodity in Tasmania, worth $442 million in 2014–15.
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In 2014–15, the gross value of agricultural production in Tasmania’s West and North West region was $576 million or 40 % of the state’s total agricultural production.
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Key commodities in the West and North West region are milk ($269 million), cattle and calves ($114 million) and potatoes ($79 million), which together contributed 80 % of the total value of agricultural production in the region.
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Tasmania represents less than 1% of Australia’s land mass, but has 12% of the nation’s fresh water resources.
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Source: Tasmanian Government - www.premier.tas.gov.au
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