South-West growers will have the opportunity to secure access to a new irrigation scheme which will provide reliable water access for a future expansion of high value horticulture production.
The $80 million Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme project could deliver about 10 gigalitres of water annually, opening up about 1,700 hectares of new land to be farmed.
This means existing growers have the opportunity to expand their operations, as well as previously non-irrigated land being opened up for development.
Following a successful expression of interest process, SF Irrigation Co-operative Ltd today announced it would finalise water sales for the scheme by the end of February 2018.
Funds raised through the water sales process will form part of the industry contribution for development of the irrigation scheme.
The State Government has committed $19 million to the project and additional funding is being sought from the Federal Government, with a decision expected in early 2018.