Irrigation scheme extension promised

A RE-ELECTED Liberal Government will spend $70 million to roll out the third stage of Tasmanian irrigation schemes, Premier Will Hodgman says.

Joined by Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff and Liberal candidates at a Kempton potato farm, Mr Hodgman said the investment would deliver an additional 50,000 megalitres of water to Tasmanian farms.

“I think it’s worth reminding ourselves that Tasmania and its economy is dependent upon agriculture and agricultural products like no other state,” he said.

Mr Rockliff said the third stage would deliver irrigation to a number of sites being considered around the state and would potentially connect to the state’s existing irrigation schemes to create a larger network — a “water-grid” similar analogous to the electricity network.

“Investment in Tasmanian irrigation and the growth of irrigation in Tasmania over the course of the last decade is a national success story,” he said.

“We’ve done it better than any other state and we want to continue the momentum.”

Potential sites include the West Tamar, Cressy, South East and Flowerdale to boost production of dairy, intensive livestock, broadacre crops and high value fruit and wine grapes.

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Peter Skillern said that the announcement reaffirmed the importance of agriculture to the Tasmanian economy.

“This demonstrates a commitment to grow the agricultural sector into the future,” Mr Skillern said.

Shadow Primary Industries spokesman Shane Broad said the success of the scheme was a combined effort from governments and dedicated farmers.

“Labor will consult on the details of the ‘ tranche 3’ policy but we are committed to additional investment in irrigation ... the Liberals have provided no detail around where the $70 million will come from.”