Tasmanian Government Media Release - 20 April 2008:
The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, announced $30,000 for the Meander Valley Enterprise Centre to help maximise the potential of the Meander Dam. The funding was being provided to the centre for the assistance, advice and referral services it was providing for local farmers and agribusinesses with possible access to the planned Meander Valley irrigation networks.
As part of this funding allocation the centre will also compile a report to guide the efficient allocation and sustainable use of water resources captured in the Meander Dam. The realisation of the Meander Dam's full economic potential is in the reticulation and subsequent uptake of water to outlying farming areas in the Meander Valley region.
Initial activities undertaken by centre toward establishing irrigation networks include the collection of information from local farmers, businesses and other stakeholders to help ascertain the demand for, and potential uses of water from the Meander Dam.The MVEC has also worked closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Water to develop a project brief and select a consultant to assess the feasibility of the four proposed pipelines.
The funding is being provided from the SMART Farming Program which is aimed at helping farmers through increasing their knowledge in business and farming skills.
Contact the Meander Valley Enterprise Centre on phone 6362 3456 or email mvecinc@bigpond.net.au