The Minister for Water, Energy Efficiency and Climate Change, Senator Penny Wong, today announced that the Headquarters Road Dam development near Scottsdale in Tasmania, will receive funding of up to $1.46 million from the Australian Government.

“The Headquarters Road Dam project is one of many infrastructure projects that will be funded under the Rudd Government’s $140 million election commitment, to support the development of modern and efficient irrigation in Tasmania,” Senator Wong said.

“With help from the Rudd Government, projects like Headquarters Road Dam are helping irrigators use their water resources more sustainably and efficiently. 

“For every project that rolls-out under this Commonwealth-state program, an accredited Water Access Plan will be required for each individual water user in the irrigation system.

“Water Access Plans will optimise irrigation water use efficiency through the adoption of new irrigation technology and industry best practice.”

“This emphasis on getting ‘more crop per drop’ also demonstrates the shared commitment by the Australian and Tasmanian governments to build irrigation systems that are sustainable and efficient and will support communities into the future.

Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley also welcomed today’s funding announcement.

“The Headquarters Road Dam project will lend greater certainty to investment and productivity for local communities in Bass,” Senator Polley said.

“It will supply an increased allocation of reliable irrigation water, which in turn will provide the opportunity for growth in agricultural production and jobs in the region.”

The Tasmanian Government has also committed funding of $708,000 from its Water Infrastructure Fund, with the remaining funding for the $4.5 million project coming from private contributions.

Australian Government funding of the Headquarters Road Dam project was conditional upon the project meeting the Conditions of Australian Government Investment in Tasmanian Irrigation projects under Water for the Future including progress on key policy reforms agreed under the National Water Initiative.

More information is available at: www.environment.gov.au/water