01 May 2025
Irrigators will have access to 8,500ML of winter water (up from 5,000ML), taking advantage of the higher water availability during that period. The water will be stored in local dams on farming properties, ready for irrigation during summer when demand for water peaks but water availability is low. The increase takes the total annual water allocation for the CLIS to 28,500ML!
Hydro Tasmania previously needed to run Poatina Power Station to meet requests for additional water in summer.
“Under the new deal, we can provide irrigators with the water they need for summer ahead of time.”
CLIS Chair Lauchie Cole said the Scheme was pleased to have collaborated on a new deal with Hydro Tasmania that will give irrigators more certainty around water access.
“Access to winter water will mean the irrigation district can use existing dam storages in the scheme to increase the overall water usage and operational efficiency during peak water usage time.
“The water will be made available under long-term winter water contracts and with the water going into storages, we are confident we can supply the contracted water during the winter period.
Vedran said the deal was an example of great collaboration between Hydro Tasmania and irrigators, which have worked hand-in-hand for a century!
CLIS provides water to more than 100 irrigators in the region via 150 kilometres of channels. The water comes from yingina/Great Lake, via the Poatina Power Station and is managed by Hydro Tasmania.
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This is an amazing story of survival in the complex universe that exists in the fresh waterways we manage. It’s not to be confused with the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy which is a completely different story in a much larger universe. The two are similar only in that they contain important lessons about life, the universe and everything, so make yourself a solid cup of tea and don’t forget your towel.
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