TasWater gearing up to commence works on new pipeline

TasWater is set to begin work on a new pipeline in the heart of Launceston, as part of one of the city’s most significant sewer projects.

The pipeline is designed to improve the health of kanamaluka/Tamar estuary and the environment that surrounds it. 

TasWater General Manager Project Delivery, Tony Willmott, said after years of planning, TasWater was excited to get started and deliver the significant project for Launceston. 

Launceston sewer project map. Courtesy of TasWater.

“This is a transformative pipeline project for the city’s combined sewer and stormwater network,” Mr Willmott said.

“It is one of the largest projects of its type in Tasmania and, once complete, it will increase our capacity to transfer sewage and stormwater and significantly reduce the frequency and volume of overflow events.” 

As part of the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan (TERHAP), TasWater will be constructing and installing around three kilometres of new pipeline between the Margaret Street Sewage Pump Station, located near Kings Park, and the Ti Tree Bend Sewage Treatment Plant in Invermay. 

The pipes will be installed predominantly in the estuary and will be laid up to 40m under the riverbed. 

Site establishment works are set to commence in August 2023 to prepare for the commencement of main project works. 

In preparation for the major works, TasWater will begin levelling the grassed mound and removing several established and newer plantings at Kings Park (Paterson Street frontage), including two large cedar trees and two medium gum trees. 

“We’ve designed this project to minimise our footprint on the local environment, which has helped reduce the number of trees we need to remove and lessen impacts on Kings Park,” Mr Willmott said. 

“We’re working closely with the City of Launceston to finalise the project’s revegetation/landscape designs for this area of Kings Park, and we will also work with the council and regional catchment authorities to identify potential high value timber reuse opportunities.” 

During site establishment works, Launceston residents and visitors can expect to see an increase in work crews and machinery in the Kings Park area. There will also be some medium-level noise associated with these works. 

TasWater will hold a community information drop-in session in September 2023 and encourages residents to come along to speak with the project team. Details will be advertised in local media and via social media channels.  

TERHAP is an initiative of the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce (TEMT) and the Launceston City Deal, to improve the health of kanamaluka/Tamar estuary.

A total of $129.2 million is being invested by the Federal Government, Tasmanian Government, TasWater and City of Launceston under the Launceston City Deal to implement the key actions in the plan.  

TasWater is currently delivering a planned ten-year, $1.84 billion capital investment program for completion in the 2025-26 financial year.

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