Cleaner future for Kanamaluka/Tamar estuary as landmark project completed

After years of planning and construction, one of the largest environmental infrastructure projects ever delivered in northern Tasmania is complete, marking a major step forward in the long-term health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar estuary.

Representatives from the Australian Government, Tasmanian Government, TasWater and the City of Launceston, the funding partners behind the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan (TERHAP), gathered today to celebrate the completion of the landmark $129.2 million investment in critical sewerage infrastructure designed to significantly reduce wet-weather overflows into the estuary.

Delivered through the Launceston City Deal and led by TasWater, the project has transformed the way Launceston's combined sewerage and stormwater network operates, with major upgrades including a new 10 megalitre covered storage facility at Ti Tree Bend Sewage Treatment Plant, significant improvements to the Margaret Street Sewage Pump Station and a three-kilometre pipeline constructed beneath the estuary.

The completed project is expected to reduce sewage and stormwater overflows by almost 60 per cent in an average year, delivering lasting environmental benefits for the Kanamaluka/Tamar estuary while supporting the future growth of Greater Launceston.

Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, Kerry Vincent, said the project shows the value of long-term investment in essential infrastructure.

"Communities across Tasmania love interacting and doing activities in and around our natural waterways. The Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary is no different. It is one of northern Tasmania's most important natural assets and improving its health has been a priority for many years,” Minister Vincent said.

"This investment focuses on delivering the improvements for future generations.

"Projects of this scale don't happen without governments working together and maintaining a shared commitment to the outcome, which is what has happened here.

"Our Northern Economic Plan is designed to drive sustainable economic growth which delivers more jobs, attracts investment, supports population growth and improves living standards across the region, which is what this project will help deliver."

Federal Member for Bass, Jess Teesdale, said the completion of TERHAP highlighted what could be achieved through collaboration across governments and agencies.

"This is exactly the kind of project governments should be backing,” Ms Teesdale said.

"The benefits extend well beyond the infrastructure itself. A healthier estuary supports recreation, tourism, community wellbeing and future economic opportunity.

"The completion of TERHAP leaves a lasting legacy for Launceston and the wider northern Tasmanian community."

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the completion of TERHAP was a significant milestone for the city and its community.

"The Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary sits at the heart of Launceston's identity and has shaped this city for generations,” Mr Garwood said.

TasWater General Manager Project Delivery, Tony Willmott, said the completion of combined systems upgrades represented a defining moment in the decades-long effort to improve the health of the estuary.

"This project started with a simple but ambitious objective: leave Kanamaluka healthier for the generations that follow us,” Mr Willmott said.

"Today, we're celebrating the completion of infrastructure that will make a genuine difference to the health of the estuary and the community that surrounds it.

"For decades, managing sewage and stormwater overflows has been one of the most complex environmental challenges facing Launceston. Completing TERHAP means we now have infrastructure in place that substantially reduces those impacts.

"The true measure of success won't be the kilometres of pipe we installed or the size of the storage facilities we've built. It will be a cleaner, healthier waterway that future generations can enjoy.”

"For many years, our community has recognised the need to improve the health of the estuary and this project represents one of the most significant investments ever made towards that goal.

"The completion of TERHAP demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government and TasWater work towards a shared outcome.”