12 August 2021

Media Release

TASMANIAN IRRIGATION OPENS WATER SALES FOR FINGAL FARMERS

Fingal Valley farmers are one step closer to securing a $53.82 million investment in irrigation infrastructure as Tasmanian Irrigation opens Water Sales for the Fingal Irrigation Scheme at noon today.
Landowners have the opportunity to commit to the scheme by offering to purchase water entitlements for this 12,600 megalitre project. If there is sufficient irrigator interest, then this important Tranche Three project will progress to business case, final design, approvals and construction.
Tasmanian Irrigation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kneebone encouraged farmers from Fingal, Avoca and Conara through to Perth to commit to water entitlements and convert their Expressions of Interest to firm offers to purchase.
“Tasmanian Irrigation understands what a big decision and investment this is,” Mr Kneebone said. “However, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we are very excited about continuing to collaborate with local farmers to progress the Fingal Irrigation Scheme.
“Irrigators now have to determine how much water they require, not only today, but for future generations. Farmers from many of Tasmanian Irrigation’s 18 operational schemes often lament that the only mistake in their farming careers was not purchasing more megalitres when they had the chance.
“All Tasmanian Irrigation schemes are designed to last 100 years, deliver water at an average annual reliability of at least 95 per cent and give farmers the confidence to sustainably grow their agricultural businesses.”
The Fingal Irrigation Scheme will see water harvested from the South Esk River during the winter period and pumped into a 14,000 ML dam near Fingal before being released back into the South Esk River for riparian delivery to landowners. Construction is expected to commence in October 2022 and first water is forecast to flow ready for the 2025/26 irrigation season.
Mr Kneebone said the Fingal project is expected to create an estimated 78 direct and indirect jobs.
“Tasmanian Irrigation is truly thankful for the ongoing support of the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, which have now committed $108 million and $100 million respectively to the first five Tranche Three irrigation projects, as well as the private sector investment from farmers, to bring new irrigation schemes to life around the State.
“We take very seriously our responsibility to plan, design and construct new irrigation projects, as well as the ongoing delivery of water each season and management of irrigation infrastructure. Tasmanian Irrigation encourages Fingal farmers to speak to the Project Manager, as well as farmers from other schemes, to ensure they do not miss this game-changing opportunity to secure high-surety irrigation water.”
Fingal Water Sales are open from noon today until 2pm on Friday 10 September 2021. Further information and applications are available here.