Under the Federal Government’s new Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative, four Tasmanian water projects will share in more than $54 million in funding.
The $211 million WISER initiative aims to help safeguard water resources and protect the natural environment by partnering with state governments, local councils and community groups to deliver infrastructure projects across Australia.
The four projects across Tasmania will receive a combined $54.9 million investment, with $20 million from the Federal Government and $34.9 million from TasWater.
The projects include a $20.4 million investment in a new water treatment plant for Bothwell as well as a connection to the Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme to improve water quality and availability for the central Tasmanian community.
A $19.1 million investment in the Cambridge–Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector in south-east Tasmania will provide around 190ML of recycled water per year for agriculture and preserve the health of the Pitt Water-Orielton Lagoon.
The $7 million Ellendale Water Supply Pipeline Project will connect Ellendale’s water supply to the Fentonbury water treatment plant to improve water quality and reliability for the central Tasmanian community.
The $8.4 million Oatlands Water Treatment Plant Replacement Project will improve water quality and reliability for the Oatlands community in central Tasmania.
Work on all the four projects will start in 2025.
The WISER initiative is supporting 23 projects across Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia to deliver more efficient and sustainable water use in regional communities.
Helping to drive the nation’s transition to a circular economy, many of the projects will be powered by renewable energy, use recycled materials and refurbish existing structures to reduce the construction footprint.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, said the Federal Government is delivering crucial projects to safeguard water resources for the communities, industries and environments that rely on them – including in regional Tasmania.
“I’m pleased to partner with the Tasmanian Government to deliver $20 million for four projects under the WISER initiative that will leave a long-lasting legacy of water security and quality across Tasmania,” she said.
“These critical local infrastructure projects allow us to get on the front foot and efficiently deliver secure water to regional communities, with big benefits for the environment and our transition to a circular economy.”
Tasmanian Member for Franklin, Julie Collins, said, “This crucial funding is a win for Tasmanians, for the electorate of Franklin and for the local agriculture sector.
“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.
“This is a win for local producers and a win for the local economy.”
Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, welcomed this significant commitment by the Federal Government and said that the Tasmanian Government has supported major water and sewer infrastructure projects in the state.
“I welcome the funding, which will support the state’s water and sewerage service provider TasWater in the delivery of its record program of capital funding.
“Importantly, TasWater has committed $1.9 billion over the next five years to projects that will improve outcomes for homes, businesses, agriculture and the environment.
“Agriculture is at the heart of many regional Tasmanian communities, and these projects support those farming businesses as well as those Tasmanians that call these towns home.
“We also welcome TasWater’s commitment to recycling 100 per cent 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.”
Featured image: Juergen Wallstabe/stock.adobe.com.au
