From Tasmanian Government Media Release - 7 May 2008
Emergency infrastructure is being planned to help two farming regions handle the extended dry conditions.
Primary Industries and Water Minister, David Llewellyn, said that the Craigbourne Dam now held just enough water for the current irrigation season in the South East Irrigation District (centred around the Coal Valley). This region is home to a number of water-dependent industries including orchards, vineyards and market produce. Without action, producers face the possibility of zero allocation for the district next year.Tenders are being called for supply of a 5.4km emergency pipeline to take water from Daisy Bank Dam to irrigation properties in the lower Coal Valley.Water will be supplied to the Daisy Bank Dam by Hobart Water, utilising spare capacity during the winter months.
The Irrigation Development Board is also investigating an emergency water supply system to transfer water from the Shannon River to the Clyde district. While the investigations are at an early stage, the Board is using the tender to firm up the price and availability of the 5km of pipes that would be needed for the emergency water scheme.
