Construction has officially begun on the AUD 124.2 million (more than USD 87 million) Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation in North West Tasmania, unlocking a major increase in water security for the region’s agricultural sector.
The project will add 9,200 megalitres (ML) of highly reliable irrigation water to the existing network. Once complete, total annual delivery capacity will reach approximately 14,860 ML during the peak irrigation season between November and March — close to three times the current supply.
Water will be drawn from the Mersey River at the Great Bend pump station and supported by releases from Parangana Dam to maintain reliability during dry periods. The infrastructure program includes more than 100 kilometres of new and refurbished pipeline, construction of a new pump station, upgrades to an existing facility, installation of a balance tank and replacement of at least 70 farm outlets.
The scheme has secured environmental approval under Commonwealth legislation, with strict conditions to safeguard nationally significant environmental values.
Tasmanian Irrigation Chair Kate Vinot emphasised the broader impact of the investment. “When we ensure a sustainable future for agriculture, we build resilience in the wider community,” she said.
The augmentation is jointly funded by the Australian Government (AUD 62.1 million) through the National Water Grid Fund, the Tasmanian Government (AUD 31.05 million), and irrigators contributing AUD 31.05 million through water entitlement purchases.
Completion is scheduled for mid to late 2027.
