Tamar estuary improvement works exceed expectations
Tasmanian Government Media Release, 30 November 2022.
Guy Barnett, Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing
Nick Duigan, Parliamentary Secretary for the Tamar Estuary
The Hon Nick Duigan MLC, with Marcus James of Junction Farm, and Jo Fearman, NRM North Acting CEO.
The Tasmanian Government has a plan for kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary to be an accessible and healthy destination which is celebrated for its internationally recognised environmental values.
That’s why the Tasmanian Government is delivering the Tamar Estuary Catchment Works Program in partnership with landowners in the region, NRM North and the Australian Government.
It is extremely pleasing to announce that at the halfway point review of the $140.7 million River Health Action Plan significant water quality gains have been achieved.
A key project of the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce being delivered by NRM North is an $11.5 million program which has seen more than 350 kilometres of stock exclusion fencing installed on grazing properties, almost 50 kilometres of stock exclusion fencing on dairy farms and more than 1,500 hectares of improved milking platforms on dairy farms.
Together, this has reduced pathogens by an estimated 7.3 per cent in the Launceston to Legana stretch of the kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary – significantly ahead of the target of 4.7 per cent.
The program has prevented an estimated 13.5 million litres of untreated sewage from reaching the kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary each year. The program has also significantly reduced nitrogen, phosphorous and suspended solids within this stretch of the estuary.
By partnering with landholders, NRM North has done a fantastic job in encouraging co-investment of $3.7 million. This leverages the original $11.5 million under the program to deliver even better outcomes.
These results are extremely encouraging. The program will continue to work with landowners and delivery partners to keep improving the environment and catchment area of the kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary for current and future generations to enjoy.
The River Health Action Plan was a key commitment made under the Launceston City Deal and we are partnering with the Australian Government, local councils, TasWater and other organisation such as NRM North to deliver.
For more information about the Tamar Estuary Catchment Works Program please visit nrmnorth.org.au/water/tamar-action-grants/