Tamar Estuary health bolstered by new storage tank at Ti Tree Bend

A new milestone has been reached in efforts to clean up the Tamar Estuary.

Construction of the impressive 10-megalitre storage tank at Ti Tree Bend is progressing with the concrete walls and floors complete and the lid set to be installed.

The tank is part of the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan (TERHAP), a collaborative initiative of the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce (TEMT) and the $609.4 million Launceston City Deal, aimed at improving the health of the Tamar Estuary.

A total of $129.2 million is being invested to implement key urban water infrastructure upgrades, comprising $42.5 million by the Australian and Tasmanian governments, $33.2 million by TasWater and $11 million by the City of Launceston.

Around 80 contractors have been involved in the works, with an average of 30 on site each day.

The transformative project will enhance TasWater’s capacity to manage sewage and stormwater, significantly reducing overflow events and ensuring a cleaner and healthier estuary.

The TERHAP works will result in 387 Megalitres less combined system overflows, of which 34 Megalitres will be sewage. This is nearly 60 per cent less sewage than currently overflows to the estuary.

With the TERHAP project in its final stages, TasWater will turn its attention to the broader picture for greater Launceston’s sewerage network.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“Upgrading Launceston’s sewage and stormwater system will not only ensure it keeps pace with the city’s growing population, it will significantly boost the health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary, supporting commercial and recreational opportunities on this waterway into the future.

“We are committed to collaborating with all levels of government and investing in the critical infrastructure regional Australians rely on.”

Quotes attributable to Tasmania Minister for Infrastructure, Kerry Vincent:

“The Tasmanian Government has made this strategic investment in improving the efficiency of TasWater’s combined sewerage and stormwater network to secure the health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary for generations to come.

“This project is about working together to create a healthier environment for our children and grandchildren.

“By working collaboratively we can protect our waterway and ensure Launceston’s critical infrastructure is keeping pace with the growing needs of the community.”