Page 25 - AWA Vol.41-No.6 2025

IRRIGATION

Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme reaches

halfway point of pipeline construction
The Northern Midlands Irrigation and reassure our buyers that we can
Scheme (NMIS) has reached a major meet growing demand.”
milestone, with more than 80 kilome‑ Ms Taylor said the NMIS provides
tres of pipeline now in the ground – confidence not just for her family, but
marking the halfway point of pipeline for future faming generations.
construction. “The long life of the irrigation scheme
This significant achievement high‑ means our kids will see the benefits,
lights the strong construction progress and their kids will too. It makes it more
being made, and confirms the project likely they’ll stay on the farm when
is on track to deliver water to farmers they grow up. And in our community,
for the 2026 summer irrigation season.
we know farms will be hiring more
Tasmanian Irrigation CEO Mike Syl‑ people, more wages will be paid, fam‑
vester said the scheme will deliver ilies will move into the district, and the
25,500 ML of high‑surety water, en‑ gional economies and improves farm community will thrive.”
abling the irrigation of around 7,000 resilience in a changing climate.”
hectares of farmland. The construction effort is being led
Farmers Patrick and Mady Taylor will
“The scheme will deliver reliable wa‑ access 850 megalitres of water from by head contractor Hazell Bros, with
crews working across the project foot‑
ter where and when it’s needed, giv‑ the NMIS and say guaranteed access print, laying up to 160 metres of pipe
ing farmers the confidence to invest in
their farm businesses, including con‑ to water brings peace of mind into the per day. Mr Sylvester said once com‑
missioned, the $217.9 million project
version to high value crops,” Mr Syl‑ future.
vester said. “There’s a period of uncertainty at will deliver a $54 million annual boost
to the State’s economy.
“Farmers have told us that reliable the end of every season where we
access to irrigation water is the cata‑ hold our breath waiting to see wheth‑ “Irrigation is transforming Tasmanian
lyst for expansion – enabling them to er there’ll be enough rain to finish high agriculture, creating economic val‑
increase crop rotations, boost yields, input crops like potatoes and poppies,” ue and expanding farm production to
and diversify into high‑value crops said Patrick. “Knowing the water will meet the growing demand for Tasma‑
such as wine grapes, leafy greens and be there means we can invest in high‑ nia’s premium produce.
berries. This, in turn, strengthens re‑ er value crops, plant with confidence, Circle 33 on enquiry card

The Long-Term Savings of Solar Water

Pumps: A Smart Investment for the Future
As energy costs rise and environmental sustainability irrigation methods
becomes increasingly important, solar water pumps of‑ like drip systems.
fer a practical and cost‑effective solution for irrigation, Farmers using so‑
agriculture, and water management. Unlike traditional lar water pumps
fuel‑powered pumps, these systems harness sunlight—a for ponds or fields can maintain consistent water access
free and abundant resource—to deliver reliable water even in off‑grid locations, reducing reliance on unreli‑
supply while significantly reducing long-term expenses. able power infrastructure.
How Solar Water Pumps Reduce Energy Costs Choosing the Right Solar Pump System
One of the biggest advantages of a solar powered wa‑ When selecting a solar water pump, factors such as wa‑
ter pump for garden irrigation or agricultural use is its ter source depth, daily water requirements, and sunlight
ability to operate without fuel or grid electricity. Since availability should be considered. Reputable solar water
it runs entirely on solar energy, users avoid fluctuating pump suppliers can provide guidance on the best sys‑
diesel prices and high electricity bills. Over time, this tem for specific needs, whether for small-scale garden‑
leads to substantial savings, especially in remote areas ing or large agricultural projects.
where fuel transportation is costly. DIFFUL Solar Pump: Reliable and Efficient Solutions
Additionally, solar pumps have fewer moving parts As a trusted solar power and pump company, DIFFUL
than conventional pumps, meaning they require less PUMP specializes in durable and high‑performance so‑
maintenance. A high-quality DC submersible pump, for lar water pumps. Our product range includes submers‑
example, can last over a decade with minimal servicing, ible solar pumps for deep wells, surface pumps for irri‑
further cutting long‑term operational costs. gation, and specialized models for ponds and pools.
Environmental and Practical Benefits With decades of experience since our founding in 1989
Beyond financial savings, solar water pumps contrib‑ and a dedicated solar pump division established in 2016,
ute to sustainability. They produce no greenhouse gas we ensure top‑quality manufacturing through automat‑
emissions and help conserve water by enabling efficient ed production lines and strict testing. Circle 34 on enquiry card
Circle 28 on enquiry card
Vol. 41 No. 6 23