Work starts on Tamar Estuary health project

Work has begun to improve the health of Kanamaluka/Tamar estuary by reducing the frequency and volume of overflow events.

As part of the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan (TERHAP), a new underground diversion chamber will be sunk deep into the ground at the Margaret Street pump station. The chamber will help to redirect combined sewage and stormwater flows and will enable an upcoming project to increase pumping capacity.

Once completed, the underground chamber will improve the way combined sewage and stormwater flows are managed between pump stations and help minimise the risk of overflows during significant rain events.

The work is part of the $129.2 million TERHAP, which has been developed by the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce and funded by the Australian Government, Tasmanian Government, TasWater and City of Launceston.

Tasmanian company BridgePro was recently awarded the tender to conduct the work, which is expected to be completed in early 2023.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“These infrastructure upgrades are a significant milestone towards improving the health of the Tamar Estuary.

“The Australian Government looks forward to seeing a healthier river for all and the benefits it will bring to Launceston.” 

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson:

“The Tasmanian Government is committed to seeing long-term improvements delivered.

“This project will build on the St John Street works that are planned to be fully completed later this year, further improving the management of Launceston’s sewerage and stormwater system and the health of this important waterway.”

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian State Development, Construction and Housing Minister Guy Barnett:

“As a key initiative of the TERHAP, the ongoing works to improve the health of the Estuary demonstrate how the Launceston City Deal is delivering integrated investment across the three levels of government to tackle key challenges and to deliver practical place-based solutions to meet the future needs of the Launceston community.”

Quotes attributable to City of Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson:

“I congratulate BridgePro on being awarded the contract for these important works, which, along with other planned works under the TERHAP, will significantly improve the water quality of the estuary, creating a healthier waterway for all.”