Construction of the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme is now complete, with farmers across the region set to begin receiving water next week.
Following the installation of more than 150 kilometres of underground pipeline, attention is now focused on the scheme becoming operational next Thursday, delivering water to customers for the first time this 2026-27 irrigation season.
The transition from construction to operation is a significant milestone for the project and the agricultural communities the scheme will serve.
The scheme will service farming districts including Ross, Campbell Town, Conara, Barton, Macquarie and the Lower Isis Valley, delivering a secure and dependable water supply to one of Tasmania's most productive agricultural regions.
For farmers across the Northern Midlands, it represents far more than pipes in the ground. It will provide access to 25,500 megalitres - or 25.5 billion litres - of highly reliable irrigation water each year, giving producers greater certainty to plan ahead, invest in their businesses and support future generations on the land.
The $217.96 million project combines $108.98 million from the Australian Government, $72.26 million from the Tasmanian Government and $36.72 million from irrigators through the purchase of water entitlements.
Reaching the operational phase follows years of planning, consultation and delivery led by Tasmanian Irrigation.
Once fully operational, the scheme is expected to contribute an estimated $54 million annually to the Tasmanian economy, strengthening regional communities, supporting farm productivity and creating new opportunities for agricultural growth across the Northern Midlands and beyond.
Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"The completion of construction is a significant achievement for the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme.
"We're proud to play a major part in securing a long-term reliable water supply for Tasmanian farmers, with the Albanese Government investing nearly $109 million through the National Water Grid Fund to bring this scheme to life."
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff:
"This new Irrigation Scheme will serve the farmers and communities of the Northern Midlands for generations to come," Premier Rockliff said.
"It's a true credit to the teams who helped deliver it, and a testament to what we can achieve when State and Federal governments come together with a shared goal for our agriculture sector.
"Through major infrastructure projects like this, we're building an even better Tasmania."
Quotes attributable to the Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce:
"The Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme is about giving farmers the certainty they need to invest in their businesses and plan confidently for the future.
"For farmers, this means greater resilience, more productive enterprises and the confidence to continue producing the world-class food and fibre Tasmania is known for.
"This is a significant investment in the future of the Northern Midlands and the communities that depend on a strong and sustainable agricultural sector."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lyons, Rebecca White:
"The Northern Midlands is one of Tasmania's great farming regions, and we know just how critical water security is for our farmers and growers who live and work here.
"After years of work, it's fantastic to see construction complete and to know that from next week, water will start flowing to farms, supporting the long-term future of agriculture in the region.
"I'm incredibly proud the Albanese Government has invested nearly $109 million in this scheme, backing our farmers and growers who are such an important part of our communities."
