Tasmanian Irrigation Celebrates World Environment Day 

Tasmanian Irrigation collects more than 9,000 water quality samples each year as part of its commitment to environmental excellence. 

It’s all about monitoring and minimising the impact of our irrigation water delivery operations, as well as the construction of new irrigation schemes, around the State. 

As part of marking World Environment Day on 5 June, Tasmanian Irrigation is reiterating the importance of all stakeholders – from farmers to government departments to agricultural consultants to lobby groups – working together to protect our precious natural environment. 

Sophie Grace, Tasmanian Irrigation’s General Manager People and Sustainability, said she is incredibly proud of Tasmanian Irrigation’s environmental achievements. 

“We have the capacity to deliver 160,000 megalitres of irrigation water each year, as well as having $1.3 billion worth of infrastructure projects in development, so we take our environmental responsibilities very seriously,” Sophie said. 

“We carry out extensive water quality and river health monitoring across our irrigation schemes, have established aquatic habitat monitoring programs for vulnerable species, such as the giant freshwater crayfish and the green and gold frog, and undertake hydrometric flow monitoring. 

“Our Farm Water Access Plans guide the responsible use of irrigation water and help protect the long-term productivity and environmental values of irrigated farmland and are a cornerstone of our approach to sustainable irrigation.” 

Sophie said the availability of irrigation water continues to drive sound environmental outcomes, such as reduced erosion through faster crop establishment, enhanced biodiversity with habitat protection and native plantings, improved salinity management and carbon sequestration via perennial pastures and cover crops. 

“It is important that we all take a moment on World Environment Day to consider how we can do more to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices,” she said. 

“The campaign is encouraging global citizens to rethink economic systems, reduce carbon emissions, and restore the balance between humans and nature.”