Smithton farmers are already growing more food and employing more people thanks to the new 6000ML Mill Creek Dam, two pump stations and 61km of water distribution pipeline which were constructed as part of the Duck Irrigation Scheme in Tasmania.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud, and Senator for Tasmania, Steve Martin, launched the Duck Irrigation Scheme in late March 2019.
“The Coalition Government continues to deliver 21st century water infrastructure,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This irrigation scheme will deliver long-term, sustainable jobs to the region.
“When farmers have access to water, they can grow more food and employ more locals.
“This helps Tasmanian farmers deliver the world’s most sustainably and ethically sourced food and fibre.”
Mr Martin said the scheme was one of the great outcomes of the Coalition and Tasmanian Government collaboration on the Project Agreement for Tasmania Tranche II.
“Our farmers will be able to irrigate and manage their businesses with more flexibility and more crop choices, which is a great outcome for the region,” Mr Martin said.
“The Duck Irrigation Scheme has also created over 50 new, ongoing jobs for this area, helping this regional community prosper.
“The Duck Irrigation Scheme can reliably deliver 5200ML of water during the summer irrigation season for a potential irrigable area of over 19,600 hectares.”
The four sustainable schemes of the Project Agreement for Tasmania Tranche II are now complete, with irrigation provided to areas around White Hills, Smithton, Bothwell and Swansea; water storage totaling 21.8 gigalitres; coverage of 52,000 hectares of irrigable land; and the creation of 179 ongoing jobs.
The Australian Government provided $60 million, the Tasmanian Government $30 million, and the remainder of the construction budget was met by private investment.
