The Liberal Government has extended an agreement with local government and industry partners to restore, promote and protect the Derwent Estuary.
The Derwent Estuary Program (DEP) was established 15 years ago as a partnership between the Government and six councils to ensure the health of the Derwent.
Today that partnership was extended with the State Government, Brighton, Clarence, Derwent Valley, Glenorchy, Hobart and Kingborough councils, and major industry partners Nyrstar Hobart Smelter, Norske Skog Paper, TasWater, Tas Ports and Hydro Tasmania committing to managing the estuary through the DEP over the next five years, with the aim of reaching aspirations we have for the estuary over the next 10 to 20 years.
The Liberal Government is contributing funding of $138,000 in 2014-15 plus in-kind support for the DEP.
The Derwent Estuary lies at the heart of the Greater Hobart area as an asset of great beauty and natural diversity.
Substantial improvements to the estuary have been achieved by the DEP since its inception. The State Government and all of the program partners are committed to continuing this improvement over the next decade and beyond.
Since its inception in 1999, the DEP has been nationally recognised for excellence in reducing water pollution, conserving habitats and species, monitoring river health and promoting greater use and enjoyment of the foreshore.
The first Derwent Estuary Program Partnership Agreement was signed in 2001 and the second in 2009.
Key areas for action under the new partnership agreement include:
More Media Releases from the Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage