Program Development and Delivery – Quarterly Update

By Jacob Gerke, General Manager Program Development and Delivery

The joint funding partnership between the Tasmanian and Australian Governments and Tasmanian landowners is enabling a number of new irrigation projects to be progressed by Tasmanian Irrigation:

Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme
All pipe has been manufactured and more than 105 kilometres of pipeline has now been installed on the $217.9 million NMIS project, as well as 127 air valves, six scour valves and 24 property outlets.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, the Hon. Gavin Pearce, recently toured the newly completed Poatina Buffer Dam and congratulated Tasmanian Irrigation and head contractor Hazell Bros on the work finished so far.

A safety pause and reset was held at the end of October with the whole site shut down to bring the team together with a single-minded focus on enhancing safety performance. All staff and contractors paused and reflected on past performance and considered how and where improvements could be made as we move into a second year of construction.

The 25,500-megalitre NMIS remains on track to deliver first water for the 2026/27 irrigation season.

Minister Gavin Pearce joins Tasmanian Irrigation CEO Mike Sylvester, GM Project Development and Delivery Jacob Gerke, and representatives of Hazell Bros at the Poatina Buffer Dam

Macquarie Road Crossing Epping Forest Pump Station Construction

Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation
The construction contract tender process is in its final stages for the augmentation of the Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme. Tasmanian Irrigation is expecting to make an announcement about the successful tenderer very soon.

Primary Industries and Water Minister Gavin Pearce has approved the Winter Water Licence, enabling the sale of winter water, and the Irrigation District Amendment, which has been increased to allow for the augmentation’s expanded footprint.

The Latrobe Council Development Application had no representations during the public advertisement period. Our latest advice from the Council is that our DA is on track for imminent approval.

All environmental permits have been received, and surveys are now underway to start construction in the coming months.

This $124.2 million project involves the laying of 102 kilometres of pipeline, the refurbishment of one major pump station, the construction of another and the construction of one large balance tank. The project will add an additional 9,200 megalitres of high-surety irrigation water to the existing 5,660 megalitres Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme, enabling existing irrigators to access more water and new irrigators to access the scheme.

First water from the augmentation is expected to flow in November 2027.

Tamar Water Scheme

You will notice the name of this project has changed from ‘Irrigation Scheme’ to ‘Water Scheme’. This has occurred to reflect the changed intent of the project: to service both agricultural and industrial requirements for raw water.

Progressing the Tamar Water Scheme relies on confirming a commitment to purchase water by a hydrogen proponent/s and confirmation of the annual volume of water to be purchased.

A preliminary business case for the Tamar Water Scheme was submitted to the Tasmanian Government in late October. The business case was funded by Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania (ReCFIT) and developed in a collaboration between Tasmanian Irrigation and ReCFIT.

While the specifics remain confidential, we can share that it sets out a strong technical solution and demonstrates there is a compelling economic case for the scheme.

We expect that the Tasmanian Government will provide clarity around its consideration of this business case during December. As a result, Tasmanian Irrigation has extended the period to accept applications to buy water entitlements until 31 December 2025.

Read about Will and Jacquie Adkins’ plans to expand their vineyard by 30 per cent if the Tamar Water Scheme proceeds: Westella Vineyard expansion hinges on Tamar Water Scheme - Tasmanian Irrigation

Greater South East Irrigation Scheme

Work continues to ramp up on the $301 million Greater South East Irrigation Scheme.

Spring surveys for the adjusted sections of the project alignment are nearing completion, including cultural heritage surveys.

The project scope is being finalised, and the budget and schedule re-baselined following the second round of water sales, which resulted in receipt of a further $12 million in water sales applications. At this stage, $6 million of the applications have been accepted, taking the total committed water sales to $31.56 million, representing more than 14,000 megalitres of the total 18,600 megalitres available summer capacity. A further $6 million of applications are under assessment.

Key landowner discussions have progressed with positive outcomes, and the new project team organisation structure has been developed. Recruitment for four newly created positions will commence shortly.

Construction on the 37,200-megalitre Greater South East Irrigation Scheme is forecast to commence in early 2028 and first water is expected to flow in mid-2030.

Read about the appointment of international dam and hydro project manager Andrew Pattle as GSEIS Project Director: Major Projects Expert Andrew Pattle Appointed Project Director of the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme - Tasmanian Irrigation