Supporting more efficient irrigation in Tasmania

Under the National Partnership Agreement (NPA) on Water for the Future the Australian Government has committed to provide up to $140 million towards the development of modern and efficient irrigation in Tasmania. This commitment will assist Tasmania to ensure that the water resources within its irrigation sector are used in a sustainable and efficient manner, whilst contributing to the outcomes of Water for the Future – using water wisely and securing future water supplies. The Tasmanian Government has also committed funding of up to $80 million from its Water Infrastructure Fund.

The 'Implementation Plan for Supporting More Efficient Irrigation in Tasmania' under the NPA sets out the Conditions of Australian Government investment in Tasmanian irrigation projects and will provide details of specific projects to be funded under this commitment.

The Government provided $14.8 million to Tasmania in November 2009, to contribute to the development of comprehensive project plans and business cases for a number of proposed irrigation schemes in Tasmania. This includes undertaking detailed environmental, economic, social and engineering assessments of each proposed irrigation development

As part of the due diligence assessment process, the Australian Government will carefully assess each business case submitted for funding to ensure it is technically feasible and financially viable and complies with both Tasmanian and Australian Government environmental legislation.

The Australian Government commitment included $4.2 million to fund the CSIRO Tasmania Sustainable Yields Project. The findings of this project will underpin the future planning and sustainable management of Tasmania's water resources. The report was released on 18 January 2010.