The first ten kilometres of the Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme's (NAIS) 29 kilometre transfer pipeline will be installed underground this month, supporting 150 manufacturing and constructions jobs in Adelaide's northern and southern suburbs.
Once complete, the NAIS will provide for an additional 12GL of water to help develop up to 300ha of new export focussed horticulture production, adding $578 million to the state's economy each year and creating 3,700 jobs.
Premier Steven Marshall said the $155.6 million project is on track to deliver first water to customers in late 2019.
"The new State Liberal Government is delivering on its strong plan to grow South Australia's exports to bring more dollars and jobs into this state," said Premier Marshall.
"This project will help achieve that goal by creating 300 hectares of high-tech horticulture production that will feed key export markets interstate and overseas.
"This project also compliments our GlobeLink plan to grow our export economy by connecting South Australian businesses to new, lucrative markets interstate and overseas.
"Supporting smart infrastructure projects like the NAIS creates construction jobs, and develops new growth industries that will generate more jobs for South Australians, well into the future."
Federal Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Anne Ruston said that irrigated agriculture contributes to around one-third of South Australia's agriculture production.
"The project is a great example of the kind of infrastructure we are delivering to create jobs and stimulate economic growth for the benefit of rural communities," said Minister Ruston.
"It will consolidate local markets and boost high quality fruit and vegetable exports, underpinning regional jobs across the agribusiness production, processing and marketing supply chain."
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the project would provide a further boost to SA's world class food production sector.
"The State Government is working collaboratively with the Federal Government in the best interests of South Australia's food producers, to strengthen the agricultural industries which are vital to our state's future economic prosperity," said Minister Whetstone.
"Water through the NAIS will be suitable for horticulture, floriculture, fruit and nut orchards, table and wine grapes, high-value broad-acre cropping, poultry and other intensive animal husbandry, and aquaculture."
Construction of the NAIS will continue to create new employment opportunities as the scheme's other elements move into delivery phases.
Further information about the NAIS is available at sawater.com.au/NAIS.
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