The Launceston City Council’s decision to hand over responsibility for the Tamar River to the State Government is not surprising.
The Tasmanian Liberals have approached the Council seeking an urgent briefing on the GHD sedimentation study to ensure we fully understand the full nature of the problems, recommended solutions, and the costings of the four options that were considered by Council.
As I understand it, the preferred option of a full dredging program would cost $1m a year, as well as the over $5m capital investment in an appropriate system of dredging.
There is no question that the silt problem needs to be addressed. Whilst the catchment management study being undertaken by NRM North, which is due in April, will also be important in that, the real problem is that the silt in the Tamar River needs to be removed for any long term benefit, as it will just wash back up into the basin with the tide if it is just moved on down the river.
At least we have some good research and studies to guide the next strategy, which needs a State Government-established River Authority to take action, and better manage the catchment issues in cooperation with all stakeholders.
An obsession of TT: Geoff Smedley: Tamar: The fight is lost
Sue Napier MP Shadow Minister for the Environment Liberal Member for Bass
