Eric Hutchinson (Lyons, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to congratulate those involved in the promotion and development of the Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme at Bothwell, in the Central Highlands municipality in my electorate of Lyons. I note the member for Franklin and the support of both sides of government—in Tasmania particularly. I acknowledge particularly David Llewellyn—the work that he did as the previous minister—and more recently, Jeremy Rockcliff. There is $60 million to deliver five of the Tranche Two schemes around the state—the first of which will be under construction is the Southern Highlands scheme. It is a scheme that will deliver over 7,200 megalitres of highly reliable—95 per cent reliable—irrigation to the surrounding areas. There will be a holding dam of water pumped out of winter flows from the Shannon River north-west of Bothwell that will deliver water over the summer irrigation's 120-day season, at 95 per cent reliability, to over 23 farmers who have purchased water in the scheme. This is a truly public-private partnership. Across the five schemes, nearly $30 million of private money has gone in, as well as $30 million from the state government and $60 million from the Commonwealth government to see the schemes developed over the next year or so. They are transformational. The Central Highlands area is one of the driest parts of our state. It is fine agricultural land indeed, but it is an area that has been prone to drought. That might sound a little odd to somebody from the middle of New South Wales, but, nevertheless, it is an unreliable rainfall area.

This will provide certainty and will give the farmers in that area the confidence to invest and expand their businesses. For the broader community that will mean employment. For local businesses—the ag suppliers, the agronomists, the rural services, the pub, the local store—it is an opportunity to grow their businesses. It will be good for the local community of Bothwell. It will mean that the school will have the chance of being more viable over the long term. Indeed, this is a truly transformational project. I congratulate Richard Hallett and all the people who have been involved for so long in seeing this scheme come to fruition. Deirdre Flint, Mayor of the Central Highlands, has been a strong advocate for this scheme. As I mentioned, Minister Jeremy Rockliff has supported the Commonwealth's efforts to fund this. This will be great for the Central Highlands.

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