Preferred option for Jordan River Irrigation Scheme

Tasmanian Government Media Release - 3 July 2009

The preferred option for the Jordan River Irrigation Scheme was presented to the affected community for its consideration, at an information session at Kempton today.  The Tasmanian Irrigation Development Board (TIDB) reviewed many options before settling on a scheme that draws water from two sources, Arthurs Lake and the Derwent River.

The preferred option design follows an examination of economic, hydrological, cultural and environmental issues associated with the delivery of water to the Jordan Valley.  For the Upper Jordan, an extension of the Arthurs Lake pipeline will deliver approximately 7,500 ML of water annually to the Upper Jordan Valley with a reliability level above 95%.  The Lower Jordan will be made an extension of the South East Irrigation Scheme and a preferred option developed in conjunction with this scheme from the Derwent River.  Total capital development for the Upper Jordan Valley Irrigation Scheme is estimated to be $23.3 million. The enterprises likely to expand with additional water in the Jordan Valley include pasture, cereals, poppies, lucerne, potatoes; with the potential for expansion of perennial horticulture such as grapes, cherries or apricots in suitable locations.

Public comment will be taken into account when finalising the final design for the scheme. Feedback on the preferred option will be received until 3 August 2009.  Following Government and statutory approvals, construction is expected to commence in 2011 with completion anticipated for late 2012.