Construction begins on Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation

Construction has begun on the new Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation, which will deliver more water to farmers in the northwest Tasmanian region. 

Jointly funded the Federal Labor Government ($62.1 million) and Tasmanian Liberal Government ($31.05 million) the project once completed will deliver up to an additional 9.2 gigalitres (GL) of water. With this increase, it is estimated 14.9 GL of water will be delivered annually to the Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation District. 

By almost tripling the water supply, the project will significantly increase the reliability of water to the region, especially during the critical summer irrigation season from November to March.  

Locations to benefit from the increased delivery of water are Sassafras, Harford, Thirlstane, Moriarty, Wesley Vale, Northdown, Pardoe and East Devonport.

“We know how critical water is for farming, that’s why the Albanese Government has committed more than $60 million towards this important irrigation project for Tasmania," Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said.

Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said that the Scheme augmentation would be transformative.

“Our irrigation schemes around the state delivered a record amount of water throughout January, highlighting the importance and need for these projects," Mr Pearce said.

Water will be sourced at the Great Bend pump station on the Mersey River and backed up by releases from Hydro Tasmania’s Parangana Dam.

The project includes more than 100 km of new and refurbished pipeline and two pump stations, with construction expected to be completed in 2027.