The final section of pipeline has been laid for the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme, marking the completion of the scheme's 152.4-kilometre pipeline network and bringing the delivery of first water to irrigators for the 2026/27 irrigation season one step closer.

The $217.96 million project is the largest irrigation scheme in Tasmania to date in terms of capital value and summer water delivery capacity and will provide 25,500 megalitres – or 25.5 billion litres - of highly reliable irrigation water each year to approximately 50 irrigators across the Northern Midlands.

"More than just pipes in the ground, this project is about water security for generations of Tasmanian farmers,” Chief Executive Officer Mike Sylvester said.

“We know how keenly farmers are anticipating the flow of first water from the scheme, and I’m pleased to report that the project remains on track to be operational for the 2026 / 27 summer irrigation season.

"With 95 per cent of the available water entitlement already allocated to irrigators, the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme will provide highly reliable irrigation water for farmers across the region for generations to come."

Construction commenced in September 2024 and has involved hundreds of workers, contractors and suppliers helping bring this project to life.

The extensive network of pipelines and supporting infrastructure, including one pump station, two boost pump stations and one buffer dam, will deliver water across the Macquarie, Barton, Conara, Campbell Town, Ross and Lower Isis Valley areas of the Northern Midlands.

The work doesn’t stop with the final pipe in place. The team is now busy undertaking commissioning activities and testing pipelines and property outlets to make sure everything is ready for first water.

The economic benefits of the NMIS are substantial, with the scheme expected to deliver $184 million in increased farming revenue and provide an ongoing $54 million annual boost to Tasmania's economy.

Water delivery is scheduled to commence in October 2026, with the first full irrigation season in summer 2026/27.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government, through the National Water Grid Fund ($108.98 million), the Tasmanian Government ($72.26 million) and Tasmanian irrigators ($36.72 million) through the purchase of water entitlements.