The Tasmanian Government has presented local landholders in the Dial Blythe region with the preferred option for the $12.7 million North-West irrigation scheme.

 

State Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Bryan Green, said that Tasmanian Irrigation is now seeking feedback and formal fcomment over the next month on the scheme, which covers farmland stretching inland from the coast.

 

"This region has some of the North-West's most outstanding agricultural land and additional reliable water will help maximise its potential," Mr Green said.

 

"The area has a long history of high value agricultural production including dairy, poppies, pyrethrum, fresh and processing vegetables and blueberries."

 

Mr Green said that lack of sufficient reliable water had prevented farmers pursuing market opportunities for increased production or diversification.

 

"Nearly 50 farmers in the district have expressed interest in obtaining additional water in order to pursue these opportunities, or for the security of their existing production."

 

The proposal outlined today involves a 2,500 ML off-river dam at South Riana to be filled predominantly by water pumped from the Blythe River via a 600 metre supply pipeline.

 

From the dam, water will be delivered to properties by a network of more than 50km of distribution pipeline.

 

The formal business case for the proposed Dial Blythe Irrigation Scheme is expected to be completed in about six months and the project could be shovel ready before by the middle of next year.