In a significant step forward for Tasmania’s water security and infrastructure, the Australian and Tasmanian Governments have announced an AUD 54.9 million (about USD 34 million) investment to enhance water quality and sustainability across the state. The funding includes AUD 20 million from the Australian Government as part of the Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative, and AUD 34.9 million from TasWater.
The investment will support four transformative projects across Tasmania:
- Ellendale Water Supply Pipeline Project (AUD 7 million): This project will connect Ellendale to the Fentonbury Water Treatment Plant, ending the need for water carting during summer months and improving water reliability for the local community.
- Oatlands Water Treatment Plant Replacement (AUD 8.4 million): A new treatment plant will replace the existing facility, ensuring better water quality and reliability for the Oatlands community.
- Bothwell Water Treatment Plant (AUD 20.4 million): Bothwell will receive a state-of-the-art water treatment facility, a connection to the Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme, and increased storage capacity to enhance water security.
- Cambridge–Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector (AUD 19.1 million): This project will provide 190 megalitres of recycled water annually for agricultural use and protect the Pitt Water-Orielton Lagoon’s environmental health.
Work on these projects is set to begin this year.
TasWater CEO George Theo emphasized the significance of these investments in a press release, stating, “Having access to funding from the WISER initiative allows us to fast-track these works as part of our AUD 1.9 billion capital investment program over the next five years.”
The initiatives align with Tasmania’s commitment to sustainability, particularly TasWater’s ambitious goal to recycle 100% of its wastewater by 2050. “This will take major investment over many years, but Tasmanians and our celebrated natural environment deserve a modern and well-maintained water and sewer network that meets community needs, now and into the future,” said Jane Howlett, Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, praised the initiative’s forward-looking approach, stating, “These critical local infrastructure projects allow us to efficiently deliver secure water to regional communities, with big benefits for the environment and our transition to a circular economy.”
Local farmers and producers are set to benefit significantly from the upgrades, with better access to recycled water for irrigation. Julie Collins, Member for Franklin, emphasized, “These upgrades will strengthen Tasmania’s water infrastructure and improve the availability and quality of recycled water for our local irrigation area, helping local farmers.”
Through the AUD 211 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) program, the Australian Government is working alongside state governments, local councils, and community organizations to implement infrastructure projects nationwide.