Irrigators in Tasmania's Coal River district will have access to additional water under a $10.5 million recycled water scheme to be funded by the Federal Government.
Minister for Water, Senator Penny Wong, says the South East Tasmania Recycled Water Scheme, developed by Clarence City Council, will also improve the ecological health of the Derwent Estuary by reducing wastewater discharge.
"This funding contribution honours an election commitment and is part of the Rudd Government's $12.9 billion plan Water for the Future to secure the long-term water supply of all Australians," Sen Wong said.
Stage One of the South East Tasmania Recycled Water Scheme will connect the Rokeby sewage treatment plant to the existing Coal River irrigation area to make available an additional 730 megalitres per annum of recycled water.
The Federal Government funding will pay for construction of a 900ML buffer dam at Back Tea Tree Road to enable storage of recycled water when demand for irrigation purposes is low.
This will allow additional water to be made available to the Coal River irrigation area when required.
Federal Member for Franklin, Julie Collins, says that by 2011 when the work will be completed, up to 2400ML per annum of recycled water will be available for irrigation, an increase of 1100ML over current supply.
"By reusing recycled wastewater, this scheme will make available more water for irrigation at the same time as improving the health of one of Tasmania's major waterways," Ms Collins said.
Email a friend