Customer engagement key for treatment plant upgrade

Talking to customers ahead of the largest sewerage infrastructure investment is underway as TasWater prepares to commence the Selfs Point Sewer Transformation Project.

This project will transform how Hobart’s sewage is managed, unlocking the city’s potential for further development and improving the health of the Derwent River.

TasWater’s General Manager of Project Delivery, Tony Willmott, said the works would create minor disruptions for the people of Hobart.

“There will be some short-term inconveniences for Hobartians, particularly during the pipeline construction, but the benefits will far outweigh them,” Mr Willmott said.

“We have a philosophy of no surprises, and we are working to engage and connect with as many residents, businesses, community groups and commuters as possible.”

“Over the coming weeks, expect to see us out and about in key areas talking to locals and answering questions,” Mr Willmott said.

The transformation project is three projects in one. TasWater is upgrading the existing plant at Selfs Point to handle additional volume, removing the treatment plant, installing a pump station and emergency storage at Macquarie Point, and constructing a 4.3km transfer pipeline between the two sites.

“We also plan to hold community information sessions at pivotal times during the project, and these will be advertised widely,” Mr Willmott said.

TasWater is partnering with the Tasmanian Government on the $314 million project. The State Government is investing $224 million and TasWater is contributing $90 million for the relocation. In addition, TasWater is investing a further $66 million in upgrades to the Selfs Point site to prepare for the future removal of three more sewage treatment plants situated along the Derwent.

“By retiring the underperforming Macquarie Point plant and directing the flow to Selfs Point, we will remove 132t of nutrients from the Derwent each year,” said Mr Willmott

“That is an immediate 50 per cent reduction in our impact on the waterway, improving the river’s environmental health.

“The transformation project will immediately unlock network capacity for an additional 8,000 new homes and has been designed to allow for easy expansion to service a further 20,000 new homes as greater Hobart continues to grow.

“The project will provide an estimated 3,420 direct and indirect jobs and generate an estimated $1.1 billion worth of economic activity in the state.”

TasWater is investing $1.9 billion across its asset portfolio over the next five years to ensure it can continue to deliver exceptional water and sewerage services for a thriving Tasmania.

Image: Klodien/stock.adobe.com