$54 million dedicated to upgrading Tasmania water infrastructure

Regional water infrastructure across Tasmania will benefit from a more than $54 million boost thanks to a new funding program.

Tasmania’s regional water infrastructure will benefit from a more than $54 million boost thanks to a new funding program that helps safeguard water resources and protects our natural environment.

The Australian Government is implementing the new $211 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative, partnering with state governments, local councils, and community groups to deliver infrastructure projects nationwide.

“The Australian Government is delivering crucial projects to safeguard our water resources for the communities, industries and environments that rely on them – including in regional Tasmania,” Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said. “I’m pleased to partner with the Tasmanian Government to deliver $20 million for four projects under the WISER initiative 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.”

Four projects across Tasmania will receive a $54.9 million investment, with $20.0 million from the Australian Government and $34.9 million from TasWater.

The projects include a $20.4 million investment in a new water treatment plant for Bothwell and a connection to the Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme, which will improve water quality and availability for the central Tasmanian community.

A $19.1 million investment in the Cambridge–Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector in southeast Tasmania will provide around 190 megalitres of recycled water per year for agriculture and preserve the health of the Pitt Water-Orielton Lagoon.

The $7 million Ellendale Water Supply Pipeline Project will connect Ellendale’s water supply to the Fentonbury water treatment plant, improving water quality and reliability for the central Tasmanian community.

The $8.4 million Oatlands Water Treatment Plant Replacement Project will improve water quality and reliability for the Oatlands community in central Tasmania.

Work on the four projects will start this year.

“The Tasmanian Government has supported major water and sewer infrastructure projects in the State, and I welcome this significant commitment by the Australian Government,” Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jane Howlett said. “I welcome the funding to support the state’s water and sewerage service provider, TasWater, in delivering its record capital funding program.”

The WISER initiative supports 23 projects in Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria, and South Australia to improve regional communities’ water use efficiency and sustainability.

“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,” Howlett said. “We also welcome TasWater’s commitment to recycling 100 per cent of its wastewater by 2050.”

Many projects will use renewable energy, recycled materials, and refurbish existing structures to reduce their construction footprint, helping to drive the nation’s transition to a circular economy.

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