TasWater has commenced work on the next stage of Launceston’s new sewer pipeline project, with residents advised to expect an increase in activity around Kings Park and some bright new artwork.
The project is part of the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan (TERHAP), which is set to deliver new sewerage infrastructure to the city to improve the health of the kanamaluka/Tamar estuary and the environment that surrounds it.
TERHAP Combined System Improvements Project Director, Andrew Truscott, said this stage was an important, albeit noisy, step in the project.
“The drill rig has arrived on site and locals can expect intermittent hammering noise during the day between now and May 2024,” Mr Truscott said.
‘’We have double-stacked shipping containers around the construction site which will provide important and effective noise barriers during our works.
“The barrier has provided a great opportunity to celebrate the city, so we’ve engaged a local artist to produce a series of Launceston-inspired murals to cover the drab containers.”
Local artist Ben Miller produced the artwork, saying the city provided plenty of inspiration.
‘’The inspiration behind the mural was largely from key landmarks and experiences on and around the Tamar River,’’ Mr Miller said.
‘’An initial brainstorm, followed by collaboration, led to the short-list of images. These elements map some of the significant locations along the Tamar from catchment to mouth.’’
Mr Truscott said the new sewer pipeline project was one of the largest of its type in Australia and is progressing on target.
“This is a truly transformative pipeline project and is unique in many ways,” Mr Truscott said.
“Last month we successfully pulled through a 650m long section of the 900mm diameter poly pipe at a depth of 40m under the riverbed from our Ti Tree Bend site to Valley Street, Trevallyn.
“The kanamaluka/Tamar estuary is a special landscape that connects our community. We appreciate its importance to the Launceston and wider community, which is why we are making investments today to ensure its health for future generations.”
TERHAP is an initiative of the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce and the Launceston City Deal to improve the health of kanamaluka/Tamar estuary.
TERHAP is jointly funded by the Federal and Tasmanian State Governments, the City of Launceston and TasWater.
TasWater is investing $1.5 billion in its network over the next five years to ensure it can continue to deliver exceptional water and sewerage services for a thriving Tasmania.
Featured image: Margaret Street pump station site. Courtesy of TasWater.
