On Sunday, March 29, the Premier announced that he and Primary Industries Minister David Llewellyn have approved the Irrigation Development Board’s request to proceed with design and development approval for a major new $78 million irrigation system.
Here is the full text of the press release:
Visiting Oatlands, Mr Bartlett told a gathering of around 100 local farmers the State Government was determined to work with the Federal Government to jointly invest in long-term water solutions for the region.
“Farmers in the Midlands have been doing it very tough and I am committed to providing the leadership that will meet their irrigation needs into the future,” Mr Bartlett said.
“Today’s announcement is another big step forward.
“The Commonwealth and State Government have a combined $220 million on the table to drive new water projects in Tasmania and we are working closely with Minister Wong in Canberra to lever the very best result we can deliver with these funds.
“This is a massive project but we are confident it can be delivered and will keep doing everything we possibly can to support the irrigation needs of farming communities across the Midlands.
“Through investments like this, we can create in Tasmania a continuum of food excellence that runs from the seedling in the paddock right through to the restaurant menu.”
The Midlands Water Scheme has been through a preliminary assessment and no major issues of environmental, economic, social or cultural impact have been revealed to this stage.
“Provided that both Tasmanian planning approvals are granted and the project meets Commonwealth due diligence requirements, the final decision to proceed will be subject to appropriate farm water uptake from the farming communities, environmental approvals and the submission of approved farm plans,” Mr Bartlett said.
“It is vital the farmers interested in irrigation rights register as soon as possible because this is central to the viability of the project.
“The project will not proceed unless the demand threshold level for the sale of irrigation rights is reached.”
The total cost of the project is estimated at $78.3 million, comprising $64.9 million for a 32km pipeline from Arthurs Lake and $13.4 million for a 20km South Esk River pipeline.
Government will need to commit public funds in the range of $29.7 to $42.8 million, with the sale of irrigation rights making up the balance.
It is envisaged that approvals for the South Esk pipeline will be obtained by December this year and for the Arthurs Lake pipeline by December, 2010.
Completion of the South Esk project is expected to be by September, 2010 and for Arthurs Lake by September, 2012.
“This is absolute proof that we are delivering action that will secure the livelihoods of farming communities across the Midlands,” Mr Bartlett said.
“Again, I strongly encourage the members of those farming communities set to benefit from this scheme to commit to securing irrigation rights as a matter of urgency.”
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