Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering its commitment to improve both the amenity and health of kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary with today's release of the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce draft report.
We established the Taskforce to get input from stakeholders within the entire catchment to determine the most appropriate way to tackle the challenges of managing this critical waterway.
We share TEMT's vision that the potential of the upper estuary is yet to be fully realised and there needs to be a shared community vision that:
- Brings people to the water's edge;
- Connects key areas of the city and region;
- Enhances opportunities for business and tourism;
- Creates new cultural and recreational precincts, and
- Educates users and visitors about the environmental importance of the estuary.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government will also deliver on its commitment to invest $4 million over two years on targeted site-specific dredging to improve access with planning, environmental and regulatory approvals underway.
While we are mindful of the natural values of the river and estuaries we believe there needs to be a balance to maintain its function as a working recreational river with access maintained for rowing clubs, the Tamar Yacht Club, Seaport Marina, navigable channels and as a recreational waterway.
Some of the real opportunities include new boardwalks, increased recreation, cultural and dining opportunities, and connecting several stretches on this part of the Tamar to make them more accessible.
Today's release of the draft TEMT report continues to build on a $140.7 million River Health Action Plan which is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments, the City of Launceston and TasWater.
This Action Plan is working to improve the long-term health of the Tamar estuary by delivering improved catchment management actions and infrastructure upgrades to Launceston's combined sewerage and stormwater system.
The TEMT draft report has also been informed by the science behind a Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) Program report which evaluated options to address sedimentation.
The Government will also commit up to $1 million annually to support the establishment and ongoing operations of a preferred management model, determined after consultation with TEMT, to ensure it has the necessary statutory powers to support its operation.
The Tasmanian Government wants a shared vision for the Tamar Estuary which guides decision-making across all levels of government and agreed actions in the short, medium and long-term.
Importantly, we want the community to have their say and the Taskforce has now opened registrations for anyone wanting to be involved in the community consultations.
Public consultation on the TEMT draft report is expected to start in August and to see the draft report and register your interest go to https://tamarestuary.com.au/vision/register or the TEMT/Estuary homepage: https://tamarestuary.com.au/home
The Sediment Report can be found at: https://tamarestuary.com.au/projects/sedimentation_review
*The Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce comprises 13 organisations from across state and local government as well as expert and representative bodies with responsibilities related to the kanamaluka/Tamar estuary who advise governments on the health of the system and ways it can be improved.
