The Hon. Murray Watt, Federal Minister for the Environment and Water; The Hon. Gavin Pearce, Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water; The Hon. Anne Urquhart, Federal Member for Braddon, Media Release, 28 February 2026
Construction has begun on the new Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation, which will deliver more water to farmers in the northwest Tasmanian region.
Increased water supply will be a key enabler for farmers in the region, allowing them to invest, diversify, expand and value add to their crops.
The Albanese Government committed $62.1 million to the augmentation through the National Water Grid Fund, with the Tasmanian Liberal Government investing $31.05 million and landowners funding $31.05 million through the sale of water entitlements.
Once complete, the project 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.
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.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
“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.
“We’re pleased to see this project surge ahead, with construction now underway that will deliver almost triple the amount of water available to farmers in Tasmania’s northwest once its completed.”
Quotes attributable to the Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce:
“The Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme will be transformative, serving as a key enabler for farmers across the region.
“We know just how vital water security is for our farmers, which is why our Government invested $31.05 million in this Scheme.
“Our irrigation schemes around the state delivered a record amount of water throughout January, highlighting the importance and need for these projects.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Braddon, Anne Urquhart:
“Labor has long led the development of Tasmania’s irrigation schemes, and we’re proud to continue delivering the infrastructure that farmers and regional communities depend on now and for generations to come.
“From Sassafras to East Devonport, this investment will support farmers through the critical summer irrigation season and ensure water reliability for decades to come. This is exactly the kind of nation building infrastructure that delivers real benefits to Tasmanian communities.”
