The Cressy Longford Irrigation Scheme (CLIS) provides over 15,000 megalitres every year via over 150 Kms of channels to the farming communities surrounding the Cressy and Longford townships.
Since its commissioning in 1971 CLIS has contributed greatly to the broader agricultural and economic development of the Northern Midlands area. The plentiful and reliable supply of water supports the diverse farming operations that have flourished in the area including dairy, cropping and grazing operations which each year generate millions of dollars for the local economy.
Water is sourced from Hydro Tasmania's Poatina power station and is delivered via infrastructure owned by Tasmanian Irrigation, the government body established in 2008 resulting from the merger of the former Rivers and Water Supply Commission (RWSC) and the Tasmanian Irrigation Schemes (TIS) Pty Ltd.
CLIS is administered by a locally appointed board consisting of water rights holders and a Cressy-based management team. Water is allocated across the district via a water rights system which allows farmers and producers to consume a set volume of water within peak and off-peak seasons.
Water Flow Structure
Water flow map
The CLIS channel system encompasses over 150 Kms of channel and water infrastructure. Originating at Poatina Power Station and winding its way through the Cressy/Longford farming communities CLIS has over 60 water right holders across 12,000 hectares of prime agricultural land.
The channel system is divided into 5 channel sectors and every year delivers over 15,000 megalitres of water to agricultural producers.