Operations Quarterly Report – September 2026
By Cher Bartlett, General Manager of Customer and Operations

The 2026/27 irrigation season is now underway, with the Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme opening on 17 August. This early season opening marks the start of water deliveries for another year and provides irrigators with access to reliable water supplies as properties transition into spring production. It also demonstrates the flexibility of our asset base and operational staff, to respond to irrigator needs and extend season duration where scheme design allows.

With favourable storage levels across our schemes and seasonal forecasts pointing to warmer conditions, and the potential for increased irrigation demand later in the season, many customers are already preparing for their annual watering programs.

Other Tasmanian Irrigation schemes will progressively open over the coming weeks and months in line with their operating schedules and customer demand, with water deliveries ramping up as spring conditions take hold across the State.

The latest Bureau of Meteorology outlook points to a high likelihood of warmer-than-average temperatures across much of southern Australia, with below-average rainfall forecast across parts of the south and east. This outlook has been reinforced by the declaration of an El Niño event in June, with some forecasts suggesting it could become one of the strongest on record. Historically, El Niño conditions have been associated with hotter, drier weather across eastern Australia, placing significant pressure on farm businesses. In these conditions, access to reliable irrigation water becomes even more critical, providing farmers with the confidence to maintain production, protect crops and pasture, and make informed decisions despite increasingly challenging seasonal conditions. As a result, irrigation demand is expected to remain strong through spring and summer.

While winter inflows and recent rainfall have helped replenish soil moisture and support storages across many Tasmanian catchments, warmer conditions are expected to increase evapotranspiration rates as the season progresses. As a result, crops and pastures are likely to require more supplementary irrigation to maintain productivity, particularly during extended dry periods.

Recent rainfall has helped to boost dam levels. About 65 per cent of the 22 dams on our operational schemes are now above 80 per cent capacity, placing us in a stronger position than anticipated based on the long-range climate forecasts issued at the beginning of winter. Craigbourne and Lake Leake dams in the south-east and central south of the State are between 30 per cent and 50 per cent full. This reflects the predominance of north-westerly weather systems over recent months, which have delivered rainfall to the rest of the State while these locations seemingly sit in a rain shadow.

Following the reopening and provision of irrigation supply after the detection of blue-green algae (BGA), Craigbourne Dam has been the subject of regular on-going sampling. The highest cell count results were recorded in July; however, toxin concentrations remain undetectable, and operations have continued normally. Recreational warning signage remains in place, and stakeholders receive regular status updates. Tasmanian Irrigation will continue to monitor Craigbourne Dam and other dam sites in accordance with our BGA management plan.

Over the winter months, our team has been hard at work across Tasmania Irrigation's schemes, delivering a comprehensive program of maintenance, renewals and upgrades to ensure our infrastructure is ready for the season ahead. Much of this effort has focused on maintaining the reliability of ageing assets, including pump overhauls, valve and electrical control system refurbishments, and the replacement of critical components such as water meters, isolation valves and key spare parts throughout the network.

Alongside this ongoing maintenance program, the team has completed a range of initiatives aimed at improving safety, accessibility and operational resilience. These works include the installation of frost-protection covers on property outlets, enhanced site security measures, expanded remote monitoring capabilities and safer access arrangements around pump stations and dams. Crews have also undertaken numerous general maintenance activities, including cleaning wet wells, repairing access roads, and refurbishing property outlet cages, all helping ensure our schemes remain in excellent working order.

That work has continued into the new financial year, with several significant projects already underway. At the Scottsdale and Midlands Irrigation Schemes, we are delivering further safety and access improvements, including new lifting equipment and access platforms designed to make maintenance activities safer and more efficient. Heating system upgrades are also being installed to provide additional protection for critical equipment during colder conditions. A further round of pump refurbishments and asset replacements is progressing across a number of schemes as part of our ongoing commitment to reliability and performance.

With many of these works now complete and others well advanced, our schemes are well positioned for the upcoming irrigation season. As water demand begins to increase across the state, our teams will continue to proactively manage maintenance and renewal programs throughout the year, helping to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of water to our customers when they need it most.

We look forward to working with irrigators across all schemes to support productive and efficient water use throughout the season ahead, ensuring customers have access to the reliable water supplies they need to make the most of the growing season.