As plans unfold to redevelop the former railyards site on the edge of Hobart’s CBD, TasWater has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Macquarie Point Development Corporation and the Tasmanian Government to investigate the feasibility of relocating the Macquarie Point sewage treatment plant (STP).

TasWater General Manager Works Delivery, Dr Dharma Dharmabalan, says the Macquarie Point sewage treatment plant is pivotal to the Hobart sewerage system taking sewage from central Hobart, suburbs to the west of the city, Battery Point, South Hobart, North Hobart and the Glebe.

“It treats an average of 10 megalitres of both domestic and industrial waste every day, which makes its relocation an exercise of complex engineering challenges.”

A number of options were identified which include expanding sewage treatment at three existing plants in the greater Hobart area, with other options involving the development of new treatment facilities on greenfield sites.

From preliminary assessments undertaken, TasWater has identified the existing Selfs Point sewage treatment plant as the most likely site to re-direct the sewage currently being treated at Macquarie Point.

To facilitate the move, a new pump station along with a pipeline would be constructed with a feasibility study to be carried out, both into the location of the new pump station at Macquarie Point as well as potential pipeline routes.

Dr Dharmabalan says the relocation brings with it many benefits for the Macquarie Point development project but with it come some challenges and TasWater is eager to seek public comment.

“Community engagement for this early planning stage will involve an on-line process to better meet the requirements of both the importance of the project and the broader Hobart community that these proposed plans may impact.”

Community Consultation is open on the website until Monday, 7 December only with broader consultation being provided in early 2016 to confirm the proposed siting of all infrastructure.

To access online information about the Macquarie Point Sewage Treatment Plant relocation project and to have your say, TasWater invites you to follow the link:

http://www.yoursay.taswater.com.au/MPSTPrelocation
Simon Pilkington, TasWater