AgMemo - Horticulture news, April 2018

South West industry backs irrigation scheme

The Southern Forests Irrigation Co-operative, who will own and operate the scheme once finalised, was impressed with the support offered by the local community through applications received for both summer and winter scheme water. 

Local food growers in the Manjimup-Pemberton area have shown their support to a proposed irrigation scheme by signing up to the water sales process as part of the Southern Forests (SF) Irrigation Scheme project.

Located in one of the State’s most significant horticultural regions, the proposed Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme will improve water storage and distribution through a new dam, pipeline and pumping infrastructure, allowing for the movement and trading of water between growers in the Pemberton and Manjimup region.

The SF Irrigation Co-operative, who will own and operate the scheme once finalised, was impressed the local community had supported the project with applications received for both summer and winter scheme water. 

With the official water sales process formally closing on 28 February, the significant support of the local industry showcased the growers’ desire and need for a sustainable and dependable water source in the region.

With submissions exceeding the initial water sales target, the SF Irrigation Co-operative will now start working through the engineering aspects –such as designing the scheme and how to incorporate as many growers as possible.

The project team is waiting to be advised if they have been successful in seeking an additional $40 million from the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund with an announcement due mid-year.

For more information, visit the Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme webpage on the Water for Food website or contact Eugene Carew Project Manager, Perth on +61 (0)8 6552 1980.