The owner and winemaker at Sisu Wines in the Coal River Valley has expressed his disappointment over the federal government’s decision not to allocate funding to the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme (GSEIS).
Jack Sheedy said he was “devastated” when he first learned of the budget snub, having invested millions in planting vines and developing winemaking facilities with the expectation that irrigation would soon be available.
“The Coal River Valley is one of the best places in the world for wine, but the reality is that the region needs more water to fully realise its potential,” Sheedy said.
He said the lack of irrigation water is holding back growth opportunities and creating uncertainty for local farmers.
“There’s a lot of anxiety in the region, there’s a lot of people like us that are sitting on land that would be fantastic horticulture or viticulture country but they’re holding off until they know what they can do.”
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association CEO Nathan Calman echoed Sheedy’s concerns, saying the GSEIS would be transformative for agriculture in the state.
“It will provide water surety for farmers with an expected net benefit of $291 million, as well as creating 225 construction jobs and 468 direct and indirect ongoing jobs,” Calman said.
He warned that if the scheme is not funded, water charges to irrigators could increase by more than 500%, potentially leading to the collapse of local agricultural enterprises.
“This would be an economic disaster for the state which can only be avoided by the commitment of funding by the Federal Government for the construction of the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme,” Calman said.
Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said her government is “considering a revised proposal from the state government” which it will consider as part of its budget processes.
