Irrigators on the Duck Irrigation Scheme will benefit from improved water supply reliability and reduced operating costs after the recent amendment of an existing water licence.

Following extensive hydrological, environmental and regulatory work, Tasmanian Irrigation has amended the current licence conditions with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE), which will maintain the scheme’s full water entitlement while updating water licence conditions in accordance with the Water Management Act 1999 and associated NRE Tas’s policies.

Tasmanian Irrigation Hydrologist Angus Borrell said under the amended licence, the Duck Irrigation Scheme will be able to make better use of natural high river flows, retaining water in Mill Creek Dam and allowing for a reduction in pumping requirements while maintaining environmental flow requirements.

“The key benefit under the new conditions is improved water delivery reliability for irrigators on the Duck Scheme, offering greater resilience during dry periods.” Angus said.

“As well, there is anticipated to be 20 per cent less pumping on average per year to extract water from the Duck River for transfer to Mill Creek Dam, reducing electricity usage and variable operating costs being passed on to our customers.”

The Duck Irrigation Scheme commenced operations in 2018, with a capacity to supply 5,200 megalitres of high-surety irrigation water to farmers in the Montagu, Stanley, Forest, Edith Creek and Irishtown areas.

Water is extracted from the Duck River and Mill Creek during the winter period, stored in the Mill Creek Dam and then distributed to properties via the Duck River, two pump stations and 61 kilometres of pipeline.

Angus said the amended licence is a great example of how strong technical work and excellent stakeholder relations can deliver real and lasting benefits for both our customers and Tasmanian Irrigation.

“Given the challenges experienced in recent dry seasons, this outcome will make a meaningful difference to the long-term performance and reliability of the scheme,” he said.