$54.9m investment boost to deliver 4 TasWater infrastructure projects

The Australian Government is partnering with state governments as well a local councils and community groups to deliver infrastructure projects across the country through the new $211 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative. 

Through this initiative, four Tasmanian regional water and infrastructure projects will receive a total of $54.9 million – jointly funded by $20 million from the Australian Government and $34.9 million from TasWater – to help safeguard the State’s water resources and protect Tasmania’s natural environment. 

“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering crucial projects to safeguard our 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 initiaitive that will leave a long-lasting legacy of water security and quality across Tasmania. 

“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,” Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said. 

$20.4 million of the joint funding will be invested in a new water treatment plant for Bothwell alongside a connection to the Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme. This project is aiming to improve water quality and availability for the central Tasmanian community. 

Meanwhile, $19.1 million is being invested in the Cambridge-Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector in southeast Tasmania to deliver up to 190megalitres of recycled water annually for agriculture and preserve the health of the Pitt Water-Orielton Lagoon. 

The Ellendale Water Supply Pipeline Project will be provided $7 million to deliver works that will connect Ellendale’s water supply to the Fentonbury water treatment plant to improve water quality and reliability for the central Tasmanian community. 

Lastly, $8.4 million will be committed to the Oatlands Water Treatment Plant Replacement Project to help improve water quality and reliability for the Oatlands community in central Tasmania. 

Works on these projects will commence this year. 

“This crucial funding is a win for Tasmanians, for the electorate of Franklin and for the local agriculture sector. 

“These upgrades will srengthen 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,” Member for Franklin Hon Julie Collins said. 

The Australian Government’s WISER initiatives is supporting 23 projects across Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia to deliver more efficient and sustainable water use in regional communities. 

Many of the projects under this initiative will be powered by renewable energy, utilise recycled materials and refurbish existing structures to help reduce the construction footprint and, at the same time, help drive Australia’s transition to a circular economy. 

“The Tasmanian Government has supported major water and sewer infrastructure projects in the State, and I welcome this significant commitment by the Australian Government. 

“I welcomed 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. 

“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,” TAS Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jane Howlett said. 

Source: Premier of Tasmania – Latest News; Pulse Tasmania; Utility Magazine