New Tamar Estuary pipeline in Launceston now under construction

Construction is now underway on a new pipeline that will improve the long-term health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary in Launceston, Tasmania. 

The three-kilometre-long, one-metre-wide pipeline will increase the capacity to transfer sewage and stormwater. 

The new pipeline will travel about 40 metres under the riverbed of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary and then connect the recently upgraded Margaret Street Sewage Pump Station near Kings Park with the Ti Tree Bend Sewage Treatment Plant at Invermay. 

“Rolling out this pipeline marks a significant milestone in our 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,” Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain MP said. 

Building the pipeline will help improve the overall health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary by significantly reducing the frequency and volume of overflow events. 

During construction, two drill rigs are going to be used to first drill a pilot hole from either end of the pipeline alignment before both rigs ream the path for the pipeline. 

“Our investment in the Tamar Estuary Rover 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,” Senator for Tasmania Hellen Polley said. 

Project map (source: TasWater)

This project is presenting major benefits to local businesses with eight local Tasmanian contractors engaged to deliver the next stage of the project. Local contractors include Gradco, Poly Welding Solutions, Clennetts Hire, Paneltec, MJ Cook Agricultural Supplies, Pfeiffer Cranes, Tasmanian Tree Care and Tasman Geotechnics. 

“The benefit of this substantial infrastructure investment is already being seen with a decrease in overflow and 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,” Tasmanian Treasurer Michael Ferguson MP said. 

The new pipeline is being built as part of the $140.7 million Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan (TERHAP) that is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($49 million) and Tasmanian Government ($47.5 million) as well as the City of Launceston ($11 million) and TasWater ($33.2 million). 

TERHAP is a key initiative of the $600 million Launceston City Deal that supports a range of transformative infrastructure projects across this region of Tasmania. 

The new underground diversion chamber at Margaret Street Sewage Pump Station was recently completed and works to increase its pumping capacity are anticipated to be completed in late 2024. 

“As a funding partner of the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan (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. 

“The City of Launceston congratulates TasWater on the opening of the 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,” Mayor of Launceston Cr Matthew Garwood said. 

Source: Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories; Premier of Tasmania – News; TasWater