Work to improve the long-term health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary in Launceston has reached a new milestone, with construction of a three-kilometre-long, one-metre-wide pipeline that will increase capacity to transfer sewage and stormwater underway.
The pipeline will travel 40 metres under the riverbed of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary, connecting the recently upgraded Margaret Street Sewage Pump Station near Kings Park with the Ti Tree Bend Sewage Treatment Plant at Invermay.
The pipeline will significantly reduce the frequency and volume of overflow events, improving the overall health of the estuary – with completion expected in late 2024.
Two drill rigs will be used for the project, to first drill a pilot hole from either end before both rigs ream the path for the new pipeline.
Eight Tasmanian contractors will play key roles in delivering the next stage of the pipeline project: Gradco, Poly Welding Solutions, Clennetts Hire, Paneltec, MJ Cook Agricultural Supplies, Pfeiffer Cranes, Tasmanian Tree Care and Tasman Geotechnics.
The pipeline is funded under the $140.7 million Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan (TERHAP), of which the Australian Government is investing $49 million, the Tasmanian Government is investing $47.5 million, the City of Launceston is contributing $11 million, and TasWater is investing $33.2 million.
TERHAP is a key initiative of the $600 million Launceston City Deal, which is supporting a range of transformative infrastructure projects in this Tasmanian region.
Construction of the new underground diversion chamber at the Margaret Street Sewage Pump Station was recently completed, with works to increase its pumping capacity expected to be completed in late 2024.
