In an effort to support the long-term health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary, work has begun on a major pipeline installation that is set to improve capacity for sewage and storm water transfer.
The 3km long, 1m wide pipeline will travel 40m under the riverbed of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary, connecting the recently upgraded Margaret Street Sewage Pump Station near Kings Park with the Ti Tree Bend Sewage Treatment Plant at Invermay.
The pipeline will significantly reduce the frequency and volume of overflow events, improving the overall health of the estuary. Completion of the pipeline is expected in late 2024.
Two drill rigs will be used for the project, to first drill a pilot hole from either end before both rigs ream the path for the new pipeline.
Eight Tasmanian contractors will play key roles in delivering the next stage of the pipeline project: Gradco, Poly Welding Solutions, Clennetts Hire, Paneltec, MJ Cook Agricultural Supplies, Pfeiffer Cranes, Tasmanian Tree Care and Tasman Geotechnics.
The pipeline is funded under the $140.7 million Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan (TERHAP), of which the Federal Government is investing $49 million, the Tasmanian Government is investing $47.5 million, the City of Launceston is contributing $11 million, and TasWater is investing $33.2 million.
TERHAP is a key initiative of the $600 million Launceston City Deal, which is supporting a range of transformative infrastructure projects in this Tasmanian region.
Construction of the new underground diversion chamber at the Margaret Street Sewage Pump Station was recently completed, with works to increase its pumping capacity expected to be completed in late 2024.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, said that rolling out this pipeline marks a significant milestone in the government’s on-going commitment to improve the health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary.
“As this Tasmanian region grows, we want to make sure that local infrastructure keeps up to pace – with this work also improving the value of the estuary as a commercial and recreational waterway,” Ms McBain said.
Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley, said that investment in the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan is improving the management of Launceston’s sewerage and stormwater system and the health of this important waterway.
“With recent works completed at the Margaret Street Sewage Pump Station, I’m pleased to see this significant pipeline underway – because a healthier river means more locals and visitors can make the most of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary,” Ms Polley said.
Tasmanian Treasurer, Michael Ferguson, said that the benefit of this substantial infrastructure investment is already being seen with a decrease in overflow and a reduction in pathogen levels in the Launceston to Legana zone of the estuary.
“Importantly, this investment is also backing small businesses and bolstering local jobs with around 60 workers involved in the new sewer pipeline and the Margaret Street Sewage Pump Station projects and 130 individuals contributing to the TERHAP projects,” Mr Ferguson said.
City of Launceston Mayor, Matthew Garwood, said that as a funding partner of the TERHAP, the City of Launceston is excited at the opportunities ahead to improve the health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary.
“The council has committed $11 million towards the river health action plan, which will see sewage and stormwater flows diverted away from the estuary,” Mr Garwood said.
“The City of Launceston congratulates TasWater on the opening of the new Margaret Street Pump Station and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with TasWater on future projects to improve the health of the river.”
