TasWater has delivered a national first under the Federal Government’s Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) program, completing the Ellendale Water Supply Pipeline Project to improve water security for regional Tasmanians.
The $7 million project, backed by federal WISER funding, connects the Ellendale community to the nearby Fentonbury Water Treatment Plant. The new pipeline and pump station will eliminate the need to cart water during summer and reduce reliance on the Jones River for supply.
TasWater Chief Executive Officer George Theo said the project marks an important milestone in improving long-term water reliability across Tasmania.
“This is a milestone in our commitment to improving water security for Tasmanians,” Theo said. “The WISER program has allowed us to fast-track critical upgrades that will benefit generations to come. Construction is already well underway on additional water treatment plant projects across the state.”
The Ellendale project is the first WISER-funded initiative to be completed anywhere in Australia and forms part of TasWater’s broader Regional Towns Water Supply Improvement Program, which supports sustainable growth and climate resilience.
Theo said the upgrades reflect the strong collaboration between governments, communities and industry.
“Our long-term plan is to decommission the ageing Ellendale plant, leaving one improved facility that provides a much more efficient service for the region,” he said. “We’ve worked closely with residents and businesses to minimise disruption and appreciate their patience during delivery.”
Further WISER-funded projects are now progressing across Tasmania, including the construction of a new water treatment facility at Bothwell and the replacement of the existing plant at Oatlands. The Bothwell project, valued at $20.4 million, will begin construction in late October and include expanded storage capacity and a connection to the Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme. Work at Oatlands, valued at $8.4 million, is scheduled to start in early October and will deliver improved water quality and reliability for the community. The WISER initiative also includes the $19.1 million Cambridge Clarence Recycled Water Interconnector, designed to strengthen Tasmania’s recycled water network for agricultural and community use.
Funded under the national WISER initiative, these projects aim to enhance the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of climate change, population growth and rising demand. Theo said the Ellendale pipeline sets a strong foundation for further progress.
“By investing in regional infrastructure, we’re ensuring Tasmanians have access to safe, reliable and sustainable drinking water now and into the future,” he said.
TasWater is investing $2 billion in its network over the next five years, continuing to deliver essential water and sewerage upgrades to support a thriving Tasmania.