This is a direct quote from Minutes of the Waratah Wynyard Council Meeting of 17 May this year.
“The General Manager noted that a letter had been received from TasWater too late for any actions to be considered on this agenda. The matter will be workshopped over the next few weeks and then report will be put to June meeting for a decision to be made.
The General Manager also noted that Council has previously resolved to make representation to Owner Representatives of TasWater. The action on this motion is pending a decision on the current appeal process which will determine the content of correspondence to other TasWater Owners.
The General Manager advised that an appeal was lodged by Waratah residents and is being considered for acceptance. Officers are currently waiting on the determination. Council is currently unaware of a timeframe for the appeal to be determined and will seek information to ensure appropriate action can be taken prior to the next TasWater Meeting.”
The full letter from TasWater to the Council is included in this link from P31 onwards.
Agendas & Minutes – Waratah-Wynyard Council (warwyn.tas.gov.au)
But the key message in the link is this from Mike Brewster CEO:
“As an alternative proposal. I am willing to transfer full ownership and associated liability for the dam back to the Waratah- Wynyard Council. We would provide council with the funds that were offered throughout the two expression of interest processes which is equivalent to the approximate cost to remove the dam wall and rehabilitate the area.
This would see the dam and reservoir returned to community ownership and allow Council to independently make any determination regarding its use as a recreational area, as a tourism driver in the region, or for the production of renewable energy.”
This is fascinating considering this post on Tasmanian Times of 3 March 2021.
Waratah Renewable Hub – Tasmanian Times
Are they, viz:-
- TasWater
- Minister/ Government
- Owners Representatives
finally hearing the pleas from the community?
TasWater has until now been firmly finger-wagging at anyone with the temerity to suggest that there were options for the reservoir other than decommissioning.
So, who will attend the workshops being conducted by the WarWyn Council? Will it be as suggested in the TT article above?
“A round table discussion with the relevant players e.g. West Coast Council, Waratah Wynyard Council, Shaw Contracting and West Coast Renewables, appropriately facilitated, to discuss timelines, costs, funding sources, and future liaison with governments, (this would obviously require pre round table discussion individually with each player).”
And will relevant community members, who understand the many issues, be included? I would hope so.
It would appear the funding for the Waratah community future is largely covered, if TasWater/Minister Ferguson are true to their word and transfer the funds allocated for decommissioning and rehabilitation – publicly stated as at least $4 million.
This would allow for the Shaw proposal (circa $2.5million to proceed; for the town weir rebuilding to occur (circa $1.0million); provide $500,000 for a full feasibility study/business plan to be developed for the WCR Hydrogen Hub; and perhaps a little left over for the Waratah Loop.
The Waratah Loop – Tasmanian Times
Now that would indeed be a Bridge over Troubled Water!
And the Waratah community would congregate on the dam wall and sing in unity.
When you’re weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I’ll dry them all
I’m on your side
Oh, when the reservoir’s drained
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over TasWater troubles
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over TasWater troubles
Trying hard not to frown
When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When heritage falls so hard
I will comfort you
Before it’s taken part
Yeah, when Ferguson comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over TasWater troubles
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over TasWater troubles
Trying hard not to frown
Sail on glorious past
Sail on Waratah
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if there’s $4 million for spilling
We’d say the funds are there, spirit willing
Like a bridge over TasWater troubles
Will you ease our minds?
Like a bridge over TasWater troubles
Will you ease our minds?
John Powell was Born in Rushworth Victoria; educated at Dandenong High School and Monash University; National Service during the Vietnam War; employed in oil/gas, water, and the resources sectors; proud Celt; protector of environment and Aboriginal heritages; stubborn and resolute.
