Construction of the $7 million Ellendale water supply pipeline is now complete, marking a major milestone for regional Tasmania.
The construction of the pipeline allows water to successfully flow between Ellendale’s water supply and the Fentonbury water treatment plant.
In recent years the town of Ellendale regularly had to rely on water carting in summer, however this new pipeline will remove that need and ensure high-quality water is available year-round for residents.
Reducing pressure on the local Jones River will also mean more water will be available for environmental flows, helping to support local ecosystems and precious fauna and flora in the region.
The Federal Government said that this project is the first in the country to be finished under the its Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative.
Construction is also set to begin next month on another two WISER projects in Tasmania:
- The replacement of the Bothwell water treatment plant and establishing a connection to the Southern Highlands irrigation scheme
- The replacement of the Oatlands water treatment plant to improve water quality and availability for the rural community of Oatlands, and to support future water demand
A fourth Tasmanian WISER project, the Cambridge-Clarence recycled water interconnector, is currently in the project development stage.
The Federal Government said that these four projects are helping to future-proof Tasmania’s water supply in the face of climate change, a growing population and increasing demand for water.
Collectively they will deliver more secure and reliable water for regional communities.
Joint funding of $54.9 million has been provided for the four projects.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said the Ellendale project was a great example of how a water infrastructure project can protect our precious environment – freeing up water for environmental flows to support local ecosystems.
“In our first term of government, the Federal Government announced the WISER initiative to help provide safe and reliable water for regional and remote communities, and it’s great to see construction finished in Ellendale and shovels about to hit the ground in Bothwell and Oatlands,” Mr Watt said.
“Water security is crucial for communities, and I’m very pleased that we’ve helped to deliver better resources for Tasmanians.”
Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said the Tasmanian Government is getting on with the job and delivering for Tasmania.
“We know that strong water security is vital for our regional communities,” Mr Pearce said.
“The Ellendale pipeline will provide a huge boost in resilience and confidence for the community, both on the farm and in the home.
“I look forward to seeing our other projects in Bothwell, Oatlands, and Cambridge progress as we continue to deliver for our regions.”
