The Tasmanian Government is building a better Tasmania for its farmers and agricultural sector, now and for the future, by investing in the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme.
As part of the 2025-26 Budget, the Government is investing $122 million into irrigation over the next four years, which is a key driver of the economy and way of life of Tasmanians.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the Budget backs in Tasmania’s agricultural sector so that it can grow and prosper.
“We are investing an additional $63.7 million to support the $300 million Greater South East Irrigation Scheme in partnership with the Australian Government and farmers, and being delivered by Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd,” Minister Howlett said.
“This is a significant investment in Tasmanian agriculture.
“Irrigation infrastructure projects like these grow the agriculture sector by enabling the expansion of the irrigable area of Tasmania and supporting the distribution of water to the highest productive uses.
“A reliable water supply, through irrigation schemes, means we can produce more food and fibre for domestic and export markets.
“Last year, I fought hard to secure the Australian Government’s commitment to fund their share of the project, for $150 million.
“Together with the additional funding in the 2025-26 Budget, and the funds from farmers, Tasmanian Irrigation is getting on with the job of delivering this game-changing project.
“The Greater South East Irrigation Scheme underpins jobs growth, drives new on-farm investment, and supports economic growth.
“The Scheme is on top of other irrigation infrastructure projects already under construction and providing significant support for our agricultural sector, including the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme, where more than 65 kilometres of pipe is now in the ground and the Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme augmentation.
“The South-East is traditionally one of the driest areas of the State. Water sales have begun for this project, which will deliver more than 30,000 million litres of new water, giving producers the confidence to diversify their farming operations.
“The value of the agricultural sector cannot be understated, and the 2025-26 Budget continues to deliver our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and the significant investments we have made into primary industries and water into the future.”
