The state and federal government funded tranche two schemes included North Esk, Circular Head, Southern Highlands, Swan Valley and Scottsdale.

The Scottsdale Irrigation Scheme is aimed to supply 8,600 ML of water to the community, from Springfield to Waterhouse, with farmers purchasing into the scheme.  

Scottsdale Irrigation Scheme project manager Andy Corbould said over 30 local farmers attended.

“They were overwhelmingly enthusiastic to get the scheme into construction and they’re all looking forward to it,” he said.

Mr Corbould said water contracts have been sold to over 100 farmers.

He said the Irrigation Scheme would provide a reliable water supply during severe droughts. 

Chairman of the Scottsdale Irrigation Scheme working group Tas Rainbow said the scheme had been a long time coming.

“The scheme itself will be absolutely marvellous for the economy of the Scottsdale area and Dorset in general, given that Dorset has suffered job losses. 

“Over a 1000 in the last three or four years, so anything that adds to that would be good.”  

Mr Rainbow said he’d been trying to get the scheme up and running for the past 10 years.

“There isn’t the interest there was 5 years ago, because a lot of people are saying: ‘I’ll believe it when I see it’...but I think when we start digging holes in the ground and putting pipes in, I think they’ll realise.” 

Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government was progressing all five of the proposed tranche 2 irrigation schemes though the planning and approvals process.

“I recently announced with federal member for Lyons Eric Hutchinson MP the construction of the Swan Valley Irrigation Scheme - which follows commencement of the Southern Highlands Scheme earlier this year.

“The business case for the Scottsdale Irrigation Scheme is currently being considered and I am confident it will soon progress to the next stage."