Farmers in the Tamar Valley are urged to apply for water entitlements, as part of the opening for Water Sales for the 24,500 megalitre Tamar Irrigation Scheme.
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Open for the next six weeks Water Sales for the for the $290 million dollar Tamar infrastructure project will enable Tasmanian irrigation to determine the exact demand from landowners.
Minister for Primary Industries Jo Palmer, in her first appearance in the new role, said this is the time for farmers to put their hand up and apply.
"I am delighted to hear, over the last week that I have been in this role, of the excitement that we are seeing amongst land owners for this Tamar Irrigation Scheme," she said.
"One of the really important things we want to stress is for the land owners and farmers not to only just consider what they need today but what they may need in eight years, 10, years, 20 years."
Simon Dornauf from Hillwood Berries said they were very excited when the scheme was first proposed to them.
"Our business currently utilises town water to water our 50 hectares of hydroponic production. Being a hydroponic berry grower we are at the mercy of supply, even two hours without water to some of our crops and result in severe crop losses," he said.
"Water security is the foremost thing we plan for when we are trying to make expansion viable and the opportunities within our farm and business."
Tasmanian Irrigation chief executive Andrew Kneebone said there had been a growing level of excitement and anticipation about the Tamar Irrigation Scheme, as landowners realised the economic benefits of high-surety irrigation water being delivered to their properties.
"Tasmanian Irrigation has seen record levels of interest for many of the Tranche Three irrigation projects now under development, particularly in the Tamar," Mr Kneebone said.
"We have farmers looking to double the area planted to berries, diversify into high-value fruit and vegetable crops, increase dairy production and boost stocking rates on the basis of reliable irrigation water."
It is estimated that the Tamar Irrigation Scheme, once completed in 2025/26, will generate approximately 411 full-time jobs and 205 indirect jobs, and provide an economic benefit to Tasmania of $589 million.
Tasmanian Irrigation team leaders will be available to assist with Water Sales applications and further information from 9am to 3pm at Exeter RSL on 27 April, Hillwood Memorial Hall on 5 May, Lilydale Memorial Hall on 12 May, Hillwood Memorial Hall on 19 May and Exeter RSL on 26 May.
Water Sales will be open until June 6. Application forms can be downloaded from the Tasmanian Irrigation website.
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