Construction of Tasmania’s largest ever irrigation project is ready to start in the state’s Midlands region after the Federal and State governments gave final approvals for the $104 million Midlands Water Scheme.

 

Major design and construction contracts have been awarded and work will begin next month, creating 130 direct jobs during the two years it will take to build the scheme.

 

Federal Minister for Water Tony Burke said the project will significantly boost food production and employment throughout the region.

 

“Once complete, this scheme will provide a strong foundation for Tasmania’s growing food processing sector. Based on experiences elsewhere around Tasmania it is expected to create up to 300 on farm jobs over time,” Mr Burke said.

 

The Midlands Water Scheme takes water from Arthurs Lake before distributing it to farms within an irrigable area of 55,680 hectares.

 

Water from Arthurs Lake will be taken by 34km of mostly buried high pressure pipeline down the Western Tiers to a new mini-hydroelectric plant and small holding dam west of Tunbridge. From there a network of 103km of mostly buried pipelines and sections of waterways will get the water to farmers for productive agricultural use.

 

The Federal Government will contribute $55 million to the project, while the private sector has contributed $37 million and $12 million from the State Government.

 

Major contracts were awarded to Tasmanian companies Hazell Bros Group and Zest Pty Ltd with Australian-based contractor, Fulton Hogan Construction Pty Ltd the other successful tenderer.