Chief Engineer visits Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme

It was a pleasure to welcome Engineers Australia's Chief Engineer, Katherine Richards AM CSC, Tasmanian Division General Manager Jo Moses, and Engineers Australia members to the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme at Poatina on 1 July.

Hosted by Tasmanian Irrigation Project Manager Jacob Tierney, the group toured the newly completed Poatina Pump Station and Buffer Dam, gaining an insight into the engineering behind one of Tasmania's largest and most significant water infrastructure projects.

Reflecting on the visit, Katherine Richards noted: “The Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme, particularly the Poatina Pump Station and Buffer Dam, are amazing examples of the work that our engineers do to improve society through their work.

“The use of water which has already been used in the generation of renewable energy through hydro power is a fantastic example of managing the resources we have available to us.

“Providing water surety to the agricultural sector through this irrigation scheme will lead to increased productivity and mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties involved.”

Water from the Hydro Tasmania Poatina Power Station tailrace is captured in the 650 megalitre Buffer Dam before being pumped into the scheme's 152.4 kilometre pipeline network, delivering up to 170 megalitres of water each day to irrigators across the Northern Midlands.

The $217.9 million Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme will deliver 25,500 megalitres of high surety irrigation water each year, supporting agricultural productivity, water security and regional growth.