The $10 million Tamar Estuary Catchment Management Project has delivered environmental benefits to Launceston with the completion of 20 kilometres of riparian fencing.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Launceston City Deal is helping to fight pollution in the Tamar Estuary through the River Health Action Plan.
“We’ve reached a milestone with 20 kilometres of fencing completed to keep livestock out of rivers and improve the health of the estuary,” Mr Tudge said.
“The Australian and Tasmanian governments are providing $10 million to the Tamar catchment to improve the health of the estuary, on top of the $1.5 million the Australian Government provided through the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Landcare Program.
“This is part of a larger investment of $95 million the Federal and Tasmanian governments are making to support the River Health Action Plan.”
Tasmanian Minister for State Growth Michael Ferguson said agriculture and water facilities have traditionally hampered the health of the estuary close to the City.
“The estuary around the yacht basin, has been given a poor health rating of D, on a scale of A to F,” Mr Ferguson said.
“To rectify this, the Tasmanian Government established the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce to coordinate the development of the River Health Action Plan.
“Our Action Plan is rolling out priority government investments and policy actions to improve the health of the Tamar Estuary through: better governance and planning; reducing pollution through accountable investment; and upgrading Launceston’s combined sewerage and stormwater system. In time, these investments will make a real and measurable difference to the health of our estuary.”
Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the completion of the catchment is a step forward in the fight for a healthier estuary.
“With the Tamar Estuary catchment now complete the water quality will be improved and cows will be prevented from wandering onto the banks,” Mrs Archer said.
“It is pleasing to see solid progress being made as a result of all levels of government working together.”
Mayor of the City of Launceston Albert van Zetten said the City of Launceston is also contributing funding to the project.
“The Council will contribute a further $11 million to the Tamar Estuary project and TasWater will contribute a further $33.2 million, bringing the project’s total to nearly $140 million,” Cr van Zetten said.
“The Tamar Estuary and its ongoing health and rehabilitation is an extremely important issue for the people of Launceston. This is a vitally important body of work that all three tiers of government are undertaking collaboratively.
“We look forward to working closely with all levels of government to continue transforming Launceston through the Deal.”
