Federal Member for Lyons Eric Hutchinson and Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff met with some of the 40 farmers who have expressed interest in the scheme at the site of the proposed dam.

The North-Esk scheme is one of five tranche two schemes being delivered by Tasmanian Irrigation that are in various stages of construction and follows the successful construction and opening of the tranche one schemes.

The schemes have been funded in a joint initiative by the federal and state governments and private sales from farmers.

Water sales for the North-Esk scheme closed last week and more than 40 landowners have showed interest in tapping into the benefits of 95 per cent reliable water.

“The strong support from farmers keen to tap into the North Esk Scheme means the scheme can progress to the next stage, with Tasmanian Irrigation to develop a Business Case for approval,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Tasmania’s successful irrigation model relies on the support of farmers, and clearly farmers in the surrounding areas of the North Esk have the confidence to invest and expand.

The North-Esk scheme will enable farmers in the Evandale, Clarendon and White Hills regions to access 2800ML of water during the irrigation season from November to March.

“With only about 14 per cent of the surrounding land currently irrigated, there is huge potential for expansion and the development of further high value viticulture and horticulture in the region,” Mr Rockliff said.

“This will create jobs in the construction phase, and ongoing, sustainable work for generations to come.”

Federal Member for Lyons Eric Hutchinson said the opportunities unlocked through irrigation would go hand-in-hand with other initiatives delivered by the Federal Liberal team.

“We have worked hard to deliver outcomes that will secure and strengthen the sector, sustain and create jobs and support regional communities.

“Already, our $200 million investment in the expanded Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme is paying dividends, with the value of exports growing by more than eight per cent in the year to March.

“Free Trade Agreements with China, Japan and Korea signed by the Coalition have also opened new doorways into markets with a huge appetite for Tasmania’s safe and premium produce.”

For more go to the Tasmanian Irrigation website.