The Hodgman majority Liberal Government this week became a shareholder in Taswater and is helping to plan the delivery of a $400 million investment in stormwater and sewerage infrastructure in Launceston.
This first investment of funds will unlock major economic reforms for the state and deliver lower water and sewerage prices and better infrastructure for all Tasmanians.
As part of TasWater’s 10 Year Infrastructure Plan, $320 million will be spent by 2025-26 to improve water and sewerage issues affecting the Tamar River.
This is in addition to the $94 million investment committed by the State and Commonwealth supporting the River Health Action Plan recommended by the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce.
Funding of $84 million has been allocated to solve the challenge of the combined stormwater and sewerage system in Launceston. The Hodgman Government is funding project planning works of $300,000 to be undertaken by Taswater which are now underway.
The first stage of river remediation work recommended by the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce will also commence. The first stage is budgeted at $500,000 and involves working with landowners to make sure that effluent and pesticides don’t enter the catchment.
Thanks to TasWater’s investment, funding from the Federal Government and the Hodgman Government’s commitment to improving water and sewerage infrastructure, all three levels of government are working together to deliver better outcomes for the North.
Investing into this vital infrastructure along the Tamar River and in Launceston itself will not only create jobs and economic activity in Tasmania’s north, but it will also provide the long-term infrastructure that the community expects and deserves.