The City of Hobart and Glenorchy City Council have completed a joint, $2 million environmental restoration project that has transformed the New Town Rivulet from a muddy, barren wasteland into a beautifully restored estuary for the community to enjoy.
The project began in February this year and has created a natural estuarine environment, new walking tracks and parking to encourage community access and enjoyment.
Nearly 30 000 native trees, shrubs, grasses and water plants have been planted to stabilise the banks and help encourage birds and aquatic wildlife back to the area.
Another 15 000 plants are scheduled for planting in early 2026.
As part of the project, 530 tonnes of concrete were removed from the site and recycled — that's roughly the weight of three jumbo jets. In its place, the banks were stabilised using boulders, topsoil, coir matting and native plants. Over 850 cubic metres of boulders were imported, with additional boulders recovered on site reused wherever possible, helping to restore the natural flow and ecology of the rivulet.
Locals are being invited to a special volunteer tree planting event next week, followed by a community celebration day on Saturday 8 November.
Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:
"Just nine months ago the mouth of the New Town Rivulet was lined by crumbling concrete walls, broken stormwater pipes and littered with abandoned shopping trolleys and other rubbish.
"It is now changing into a more attractive place filled with native trees, grasses, shrubs and water plants designed to attract native wildlife.
"Restoring the New Town Rivulet where it enters the River Derwent is good for the environment and good for the local community, who can be very proud of this transformation.
"The native plants and landscaping will also help manage historical contamination in the rivulet bed and stabilise the embankments."
Quotes to be attributed to Mayor Sue Hickey:
"This project is a great example of what can be achieved when councils work together with a shared vision for the environment and the community.
"Open spaces like this are vital for families. They offer a place to walk, play, learn and connect with nature.
"I'm proud that Glenorchy and greater Hobart residents now have easier access to a beautiful, restored environment right on their doorstep.
"I encourage everyone to come along to the upcoming planting day and community celebration – it's a chance to be part of something special."
Quotes to be attributed to President of the New Town Community Association, Margaret Neilsen:
"The rewilding of New Town Rivulet is a remarkable gift to New Town and Glenorchy.
"While the rivulet marks the boundary between the two cities, it also unites us. Once, the final 100 metres was a neglected and unloved, now they are being transformed into two inviting pathways - a place of birdsong and shade, where people can pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey of the tributaries from Kunanyi to the River Derwent.
"In the years ahead, residents will be able to watch the trees, shrubs, grasses and aquatic life flourish.
"This unfolding transformation will be fascinating to observe and record, offering both cities a living treasure to be shared across generations."
