Launceston’s waterways will be healthier and cleaner with construction underway on the $129 million Tamar Estuary Urban Water Infrastructure Upgrade Project.
Works at the Willis Street Pump Station will upgrade the ageing 1960s stormwater control system with a new motor, as well as a modern digital control and monitoring system.
The work will reduce overflows from Launceston’s combined sewerage and stormwater system.
Part of the $140 million River Health Action Plan, the project is funded through the Launceston City Deal.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the upgrade would improve the long-term health of the Tamar Estuary.
“Each project that we complete through the River Health Action Plan is working towards the Tamar Estuary becoming even cleaner and healthier,” Mr Tudge said.
“As well as the significant environmental benefits we want the Tamar to be a more appealing place for the community to enjoy.”
Tasmanian Minister for State Growth Michael Ferguson said all three levels of government are working together to implement the River Health Action Plan, which is already showing very promising results for the Tamar Estuary.
“These works build on the catchment management actions already underway across the grazing, dairy and urban areas in the Estuary’s catchment,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Combined with an additional $1.5 million through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, the $10 million catchment management program has protected over 175 kilometre of waterways thanks to riparian fencing, which prevents livestock from entering the estuary.”
Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said progressing projects under the City Deal has never been more important to secure a vibrant and sustainable future for Launceston.
“Improving the health of the Tamar Estuary is a top priority for the Launceston residents and one our government is committed to delivering,” Mrs Archer said.
“I’m working to ensure genuine progress is being made through all levels of government and through collaboration with businesses, industry and the community.”
City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the program has also successfully identified 29 sewerage intrusions, including two broken sewerage mains and a collapsed stormwater main, with work underway to fix these to improve the stormwater management.
“All City Deal partners are committed to projects that will transform Launceston and provide long-lasting benefits,” Cr van Zetten said.
“The City Deal continues to deliver outstanding results for Launceston, particularly in terms of economic growth and employment, while boosting the city’s growing reputation as the most liveable and innovative regional city in the country.”
The Australian and Tasmanian Governments are each providing $47.5 million to implement the River Health Action Plan, with TasWater and the City of Launceston contributing $33.2 million and $11 million respectively.
