Bulkheads enhance irrigation opportunity in Tasmania

The Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme represents a major step forward in securing the future of Tasmania’s agricultural productivity. Designed to deliver high-surety irrigation water across the Macquarie, Barton, Conara, Campbell Town, Ross, and Lower Isis Valley regions, the scheme will enhance water security, support sustainable growth, and strengthen regional economies.

Underpinned by large Hydro Tasmania storages in the Central Highlands, the project’s preferred design option includes an offtake dam and pump station located below the Poatina Power Station. From there, water will be piped to Conara, Campbell Town, and Ross, supported by two booster pump stations and two balance tanks to maintain consistent delivery over a 180-day irrigation season.

AWMA is proud to have supplied specialist water control infrastructure for the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme – Tranche Three, Phase One, delivered by Hazell Bros.

AWMA was engaged to design and manufacture three sets of aluminium roller bulkheads and a dedicated storage rack, installed at the inlet channel in Cressy, TAS.

Each bulkhead frame is constructed from marine-grade 316 stainless steel, with on-seating aluminium bulkheads mounted directly on the headwall. The design accommodates a stopboard height of 2950 mm, an opening width of 2134 mm, and a maximum head of 2350 mm, ensuring reliable operation under demanding irrigation conditions.

In addition to the bulkheads, AWMA custom-designed a bulkhead storage rack engineered specifically for optimal transport, handling, and long-term asset protection. The system was designed and manufactured as a flat-pack unit, ensuring a more cost-effective freight solution to Tasmania compared with traditional systems. Once on-site, the rack is easily constructed using only bolts, enabling fast and efficient assembly without specialised tools or fabrication works.

Through precision engineering and quality fabrication, AWMA continues to support Tasmania’s irrigation infrastructure network, helping deliver water where and when it’s needed most.