Hydro Tasmania and the Cressy Longford Irrigation Scheme (CLIS) have struck a deal to see irrigators get more water in winter to store and save for summer irrigation.
Irrigators will have access to 8,500 ML of winter water (up from 5,000 ML), taking advantage of the higher water availability during that period.
The water will be stored in local dams on farming properties, ready for irrigation during summer when demand for water peaks but water availability is low.
The increase takes the total annual water allocation for the CLIS to 28,500 ML.
Hydro Tasmania Executive General Manager Commercial Vedran Kovac said it had previously needed to run Poatina Power Station to meet summer requests for additional water.
“It’s expensive and inefficient to run the power station if the energy demand isn’t there,” said Kovac. “Under the new deal, we can provide irrigators with the water they need for the summer ahead of time.”
CLIS Chair Lauchie Cole said the Scheme was pleased to have collaborated on a new deal with Hydro Tasmania to give irrigators more certainty around water access.
“Being able to take additional water during wetter months gives irrigators more security for that peak irrigation season during summer,” said Cole. “Access to winter water will mean the irrigation district can use existing dam storage in the Scheme to increase the overall water usage and operational efficiency during peak water usage. The water will be made available under long-term winter water contracts, and with the water going into storage, we are confident we can supply the contracted water during the winter period.
Mr Kovac said the deal was an example of great collaboration between Hydro Tasmania and irrigators, who have worked hand-in-hand for a century.
“It’s sustainable, cost-effective and a win-win for everyone involved,” said Mr Kovac.
CLIS provides water to more than 100 irrigators in the region via 150 kilometres of channels. The water comes from yingina/Great Lake, via the Poatina Power Station and is managed by Hydro Tasmania.
