Farmers in south-eastern Tasmania were left surprised and disappointed on federal budget night when it was revealed that the proposed Greater South East Irrigation Scheme missed out on the crucial federal funding needed for the new scheme to go ahead.

Tasmanian Irrigation, which expected the scheme’s strong business case to be successful, has expressed disappointment following the federal government’s decision.

CEO Andrew Kneebone said Tasmanian Irrigation would now work with the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, TasWater and the south east irrigator community to consider workable options and solutions.

CRPA is also working to understand the reasons for the budget decision, in an attempt to do what it can to further strengthen the business case and lobby for the funding application to be resubmitted to the federal government outside of the normal funding cycle, due to the critical timing involved in getting the scheme up and running.

The CRPA committee and several association members have been featured in the media explaining the need for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme to go ahead.

Read the Tasmanian Country article, Sisu Wines owner urges federal support for SE irrigation scheme, featuring CRPA member Jake Sheedy.

Read the Stock and Land article, Fresh bid for commonwealth funding for expanded irrigation scheme, featuring CRPA Vice President Sophie Milic.

Read the ABC article Drought threatens food and wine production in Tasmania’s south-east, featuring interviews with CRPA Vice President Sophie Milic and member Karen Stewart.

Tasmanian Country Hour has aired a series of interviews on the issue, which you can listen to using the links below:

Categories: Irrigation

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