The federal Coalition has promised $150m for vital South—East irrigation scheme

The federal Coalition has fired the starter’s gun in Tasmania with its first funding promise ahead of the election. Find out what they are backing.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The federal Coalition has promised $150m for a critical irrigation scheme to provide a vital water supply for farmers in Tasmania’s South-East.

The funding promise, to be announced Sunday, fires the starter’s gun for the coming federal election campaign and is the first project promised in the crucial seat of Lyons which the Liberals are hoping to win back after being held by Labor for three terms.

The Coalition says the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme (GSEIS) will be funded by $150m from them if they win government, along with $75m each from the Tasmanian government and Tasmanian Irrigation.

Fruit Growers Tasmania this month joined forces with TasFarmers to campaign for the federal government’s $150m million share of the scheme.

Lowdina orchard owner, Ian Newnham. Picture: Linda Higginson

Campania orchardist Ian Newnham said without the critical irrigation project he would be forced to pull up his cherry and apricot trees and downsize staff.

The irrigation project is expected to employ more than 200 Tasmanians in construction and support almost 470 ongoing jobs.

It will source water directly from Lake Meadowbank in the Derwent Valley, and supply more than 37,000ml of water, in what’s traditionally been one of Tasmania’s lowest rainfall areas.

Liberal leader Peter Dutton said the federal government had “failed to recognise the true potential this region has for Tasmania”.

“We are making it easier for farmers to get the water they need, while also creating hundreds of new jobs, and helping the region’s tourism and economy grow,” he said.

Coalition water spokeswoman Senator Perin Davey said irrigated land in Tasmania produced “more than 10 times the value of dry land, making it far more productive”.

“In a region that traditionally gets the least amount of rain, it’s more important than ever to give farmers the resources they need to succeed into the future,” she said.

Lyons Liberal candidate Susie Bower said it was telling that Labor MHR Brian Mitchell had been “blindsided” when funding for the project was not announced in this year’s federal budget.

“I am grateful to Peter Dutton and my Tasmanian Liberal colleagues who listened to me and listened to my community and who have advocated to ensure this project will be delivered by a future Coalition Government,” she said.

“It shows we understand the critical role water plays in Tasmania’s Greater South East, an area well-known for its thriving agricultural industry and top-quality local produce.”

“The GSEIS will enhance the region’s reputation for high quality wine grapes, stone and berry fruits, and vegetables.”

Originally published as The federal Coalition has promised $150m for vital South—East irrigation scheme