TasWater talks for major work
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TasWater has launched a community engagement initiative to prepare Hobart residents for the Selfs Point Sewer Transformation Project.
The project - the largest sewerage infrastructure upgrade in the city’s history - is valued at $314 million. It is funded by a joint investment by the Tasmanian Government and TasWater.
The State Government is contributing $224 million, with TasWater providing the remaining $90 million for the sewerage relocation.
TasWater is also committing an additional $66 million for upgrades to the Selfs Point site in preparation for future infrastructure changes.
The project will overhaul Hobart’s sewerage management system, aiming to improve environmental outcomes and unlock development potential for the city.
The initiative involves three key components: upgrading the Selfs Point plant to accommodate increased capacity, decommissioning the treatment plant at Macquarie Point, and building a 4.3-kilometre pipeline to transfer waste between these sites.
According to TasWater’s General Manager of Project Delivery, Tony Willmott, the work will lead to some disruptions in the short term but will offer significant long-term benefits.
“There will be some short-term inconveniences for Hobartians, particularly during the construction of the pipeline, but the benefits will far outweigh them,” he said.
To ensure transparency and minimise surprises for the public, TasWater has adopted a proactive approach to community engagement.
“We have a philosophy of ‘no surprises’ and we are working to engage and connect with as many residents, businesses, community groups, and commuters as we can reach,” Willmott said.
TasWater representatives will be actively visiting key areas to communicate with locals and provide updates.
Additionally, community information sessions will be organised at critical project stages, with details shared through various channels, including the project’s online engagement hub.
The environmental benefits of this project should be significant.
By decommissioning the underperforming Macquarie Point plant and redirecting its sewage to Selfs Point, TasWater expects to remove 132 tonnes of nutrients from the Derwent River annually, effectively halving its impact on the waterway.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the project is designed to support future urban growth.
Once completed, the upgraded sewer network will have the capacity to accommodate an additional 8,000 new homes, with the flexibility to expand to service up to 20,000 homes as Hobart grows.
The infrastructure upgrade is expected to create over 3,400 jobs, generating an estimated $1.1 billion in economic activity for Tasmania.
TasWater is dedicating $1.9 billion over the next five years to maintain and enhance its water and sewerage services across Tasmania, ensuring that the infrastructure continues to support the state’s development needs.
Residents can track the progress of the Selfs Point Sewer Transformation Project through TasWater’s online platform.