Australia Approves Tasmanian Irrigation Scheme

Australia has approved an A$88m ($92.07m) irrigation scheme for the Midlands region of Tasmania as part of a project to improve water infrastructure in the area.

The Midlands scheme will provide water for around 500 farms between Perth and Kempton, and will help in the growth of Tasmania’s agricultural sector.

The scheme is part of a planned investment of A$400m ($418.52m).

The Minister for Primary Industries and Water Bryan Green said the Midlands project will include the South Esk and Arthurs pipeline irrigation schemes.

“The project will deliver up to 47,500 megalitres of water with about 70,000ha of irrigable land within reach of the scheme,” Green said.

Tasmania’s Irrigation Development Board is proceeding with detailed planning of the development.

Water will be supplied from Arthurs Lake and the South Esk River with a pipeline to a holding dam at Floods Creek west of Tunbridge.