Irrigation schemes in North and Central Otago are among the recipients of $562,000 in government funding through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced this week.
The North Otago Irrigation Company (NOIC) will receive $241,500 over four years to assist with the implementation of stage two of its scheme, while the farmer-led Waihao Downs Irrigation Scheme in South Canterbury will get $93,000 and the Tarras Community Trust's proposed $32 million water scheme will receive $50,000.
NOIC chairman Alan McLay was thrilled, saying North Otago people had to start realising how "absolutely fabulous" the commitment by farmers was for the whole community.
Stage two will double the area irrigated to a total of 20,000ha.
The Tarras Water Scheme, which will involve the pumping of water from the Clutha River to about 8000ha, will receive its funding for the 2009-10 financial year.
